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Song T, Cerruti M. Unraveling the role of carboxylate groups and elastin particle size in medial calcification. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133267. [PMID: 38906359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133267] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
While it is known that calcium phosphate (CaP) minerals deposit in elastin-rich medial layers of arteries during medial calcification, their nucleation and growth sites are still debated. Neutral carbonyl groups and carboxylate groups are possible candidates. Also, while it is known that elastin degradation leads to calcification, it is unclear whether this is due to formation of new carboxylate groups or elastin fragmentation. In this work, we disentangle effects of carboxylate groups and particle size on elastin calcification; in doing so, we shed light on CaP mineralization sites on elastin. We find carboxylate groups accelerate calcification only in early stages; they mainly function as Ca2+ ion chelation sites but not calcification sites. Their presence promotes formation (likely on Ca2+ ions adsorbed on nearby carbonyl groups) of CaP minerals with high calcium-to-phosphate ratio as intermediate phases. Larger elastin particles calcify slower but reach similar amounts of CaP minerals in late stages; they promote direct formation of hydroxyapatite and CaP minerals with low calcium-to-phosphate ratio as intermediate phases. This work provides new perspectives on how carboxylate groups and elastin particle size influence calcification; these parameters can be tuned to study the mechanism of medial calcification and design drugs to inhibit the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Song
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
| | - Marta Cerruti
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
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2
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Abdelilah-Seyfried S. Epigenetics enters the stage in vascular malformations. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e182904. [PMID: 39087470 DOI: 10.1172/jci182904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations represent the most common form of vascular malformations and can cause recurrent bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke. The current issue of the JCI features an article by Zhao et al. describing a mouse model of cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Endothelial cells lacking matrix Gla protein, a BMP inhibitor, underwent epigenetic changes characteristic of an endothelial-to-mesenchymal fate transition. The authors uncovered a two-step process for this transition controlled by the epigenetic regulator histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), which controls endothelial cell differentiation, and by enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1), which suppressed mesenchymal fate. This discovery provides a promising entry point for preventive pharmacological interventions.
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3
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Valea A, Nistor C, Ciobica ML, Sima OC, Carsote M. Endocrine Petrified Ear: Associated Endocrine Conditions in Auricular Calcification/Ossification (A Sample-Focused Analysis). Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1303. [PMID: 38928718 PMCID: PMC11202653 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121303] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Petrified ear (PE), an exceptional entity, stands for the calcification ± ossification of auricular cartilage (CAC/OAC); its pathogenic traits are still an open matter. Endocrine panel represents one of the most important; yet, no standard protocol of assessments is available. Our objective was to highlight most recent PE data and associated endocrine (versus non-endocrine) ailments in terms of presentation, imagery tools, hormonal assessments, biopsy, outcome, pathogenic features. This was a comprehensive review via PubMed search (January 2000-March 2024). A total of 75 PE subjects included: 46 case reports/series (N = 49) and two imagery-based retrospective studies (N = 26) with CAC/OAC prevalence of 7-23% (N = 251) amid routine head/temporal bone CT scans. Endocrine PE (EPE): N = 23, male/female ratio = 10.5; average age = 56.78, ranges: 22-79; non-EPE cohort: N = 26; male/female ratio = 1.88, mean age = 49.44; ranges: 18-75 (+a single pediatric case).The longest post-diagnosis follow-up was of 6-7 years. The diagnosis of PE and endocrine anomalies was synchronous or not (time gap of 10-20 years). A novel case in point (calcified EPE amid autoimmune poly-endocrine syndrome type 2 with a 10-year post-diagnosis documented follow-up) was introduced. We re-analyzed EPE and re-classified another five subjects as such. Hence, the final EPE cohort (N = 50) showed: adrenal insufficiency was the most frequent endocrine condition (36%) followed by hypopituitarism (22%) and hypothyroidism (18%); 39% of the patients with adrenal failure had Addison's disease; primary type represented 72% of all cases with hypothyroidism; an endocrine autoimmune (any type) component was diagnosed in 18%. We propose the term of "endocrine petrified ear" and a workflow algorithm to assess the potential hormonal/metabolic background in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valea
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4-Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihai-Lucian Ciobica
- “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana-Claudia Sima
- PhD Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mara Carsote
- “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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4
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Zhao Y, Wu X, Yang Y, Zhang L, Cai X, Chen S, Vera A, Ji J, Boström KI, Yao Y. Inhibition of endothelial histone deacetylase 2 shifts endothelial-mesenchymal transitions in cerebral arteriovenous malformation models. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176758. [PMID: 38781032 DOI: 10.1172/jci176758] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are the most common vascular malformations worldwide and the leading cause of hemorrhagic strokes that may result in crippling neurological deficits. Here, using recently generated mouse models, we uncovered that cerebral endothelial cells (ECs) acquired mesenchymal markers and caused vascular malformations. Interestingly, we found that limiting endothelial histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) prevented cerebral ECs from undergoing mesenchymal differentiation and reduced cerebral AVMs. We found that endothelial expression of HDAC2 and enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1) was altered in cerebral AVMs. These alterations changed the abundance of H4K8ac and H3K27me in the genes regulating endothelial and mesenchymal differentiation, which caused the ECs to acquire mesenchymal characteristics and form AVMs. This investigation demonstrated that the induction of HDAC2 altered specific histone modifications, which resulted in mesenchymal characteristics in the ECs and cerebral AVMs. The results provide insight into the epigenetic impact on AVMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sydney Chen
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Abigail Vera
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jaden Ji
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- The Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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5
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Merra G, Dominici F, Gualtieri P, Capacci A, Cenname G, Esposito E, Dri M, Di Renzo L, Marchetti M. Role of vitamin K2 in bone-vascular crosstalk. INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2024; 94:143-152. [PMID: 36039403 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000761] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin K (VK) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is indispensable for the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs). It has been shown to play an important role in the proper calcium deposit at the bone level, hindering that on the vascular walls. The deficiency of this vitamin in European populations is frequent and unknown. It is related to several factors, poor dietary intake, altered intestinal absorption or altered production by bacteria, indicating possible dysbiosis. For Vitamin K2 (VK2), there is currently no official reference daily intake (RDI). However, the effects of VK2 on the improvement of health in cardiovascular diseases, on bone metabolism, on chronic kidney diseases have been the subject of research in recent decades. The microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role: Bacteroides are primarily capable of synthetizing very long chain forms of menaquinones and, in addition to the bacteria present in the intestinal flora, VK2 is also produced by bacteria used in food fermentation processes. This review provides an update on the current literature regarding the origin of VK2 and its implications in what is called the "calcium paradox", namely the lack of calcium in the bone and its storage in the wall of the vessel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Merra
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annunziata Capacci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Agostino Gemelli General Hospital Foundation-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cenname
- Comando Generale Arma Carabinieri, Direzione di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Esposito
- General Directorate, Department of Human Policies of Basilicata Region, Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Dri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marchetti
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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6
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Zhang L, Cai X, Ma F, Qiao X, Ji J, Ma JA, Vergnes L, Zhao Y, Yao Y, Wu X, Boström KI. Two-step regulation by matrix Gla protein in brown adipose cell differentiation. Mol Metab 2024; 80:101870. [PMID: 38184275 PMCID: PMC10832489 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101870] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is intricately involved in adipose tissue development. BMP7 together with BMP4 have been implicated in brown adipocyte differentiation but their roles during development remains poorly specified. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) inhibits BMP4 and BMP7 and is expressed in endothelial and progenitor cells. The objective was to determine the role of MGP in brown adipose tissue (BAT) development. METHODS The approach included global and cell-specific Mgp gene deletion in combination with RNA analysis, immunostaining, thermogenic activity, and in vitro studies. RESULTS The results revealed that MGP directs brown adipogenesis at two essential steps. Endothelial-derived MGP limits triggering of white adipogenic differentiation in the perivascular region, whereas MGP derived from adipose cells supports the transition of CD142-expressing progenitor cells to brown adipogenic maturity. Both steps were important to optimize the thermogenic function of BAT. Furthermore, MGP derived from both sources impacted vascular growth. Reduction of MGP in either endothelial or adipose cells expanded the endothelial cell population, suggesting that MGP is a factor in overall plasticity of adipose tissue. CONCLUSION MGP displays a dual and cell-specific function in BAT, essentially creating a "cellular shuttle" that coordinates brown adipogenic differentiation with vascular growth during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA.
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Feiyang Ma
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojing Qiao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Jaden Ji
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Ma
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Laurent Vergnes
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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7
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Kauffenstein G, Martin L, Le Saux O. The Purinergic Nature of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:74. [PMID: 38392293 PMCID: PMC10886499 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE) is an inherited disease characterized by elastic fiber calcification in the eyes, the skin and the cardiovascular system. PXE results from mutations in ABCC6 that encodes an ABC transporter primarily expressed in the liver and kidneys. It took nearly 15 years after identifying the gene to better understand the etiology of PXE. ABCC6 function facilitates the efflux of ATP, which is sequentially hydrolyzed by the ectonucleotidases ENPP1 and CD73 into pyrophosphate (PPi) and adenosine, both inhibitors of calcification. PXE, together with General Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI caused by ENPP1 mutations) as well as Calcification of Joints and Arteries (CALJA caused by NT5E/CD73 mutations), forms a disease continuum with overlapping phenotypes and shares steps of the same molecular pathway. The explanation of these phenotypes place ABCC6 as an upstream regulator of a purinergic pathway (ABCC6 → ENPP1 → CD73 → TNAP) that notably inhibits mineralization by maintaining a physiological Pi/PPi ratio in connective tissues. Based on a review of the literature and our recent experimental data, we suggest that PXE (and GACI/CALJA) be considered as an authentic "purinergic disease". In this article, we recapitulate the pathobiology of PXE and review molecular and physiological data showing that, beyond PPi deficiency and ectopic calcification, PXE is associated with wide and complex alterations of purinergic systems. Finally, we speculate on the future prospects regarding purinergic signaling and other aspects of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Kauffenstein
- UMR INSERM 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, University of Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ludovic Martin
- PXE Consultation Center, MAGEC Nord Reference Center for Rare Skin Diseases, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
- MITOVASC-UMR CNRS 6015 INSERM 1083, University of Angers, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Olivier Le Saux
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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8
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Gourgas O, Lemire G, Eaton AJ, Alshahrani S, Duker AL, Li J, Carroll RS, Mackenzie S, Nikkel SM, Bober MB, Boycott KM, Murshed M. Specific heterozygous variants in MGP lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and cause spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7054. [PMID: 37923733 PMCID: PMC10624854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent post-translationally modified protein, highly expressed in vascular and cartilaginous tissues. It is a potent inhibitor of extracellular matrix mineralization. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in the MGP gene cause Keutel syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by widespread calcification of various cartilaginous tissues and skeletal and vascular anomalies. In this study, we report four individuals from two unrelated families with two heterozygous variants in MGP, both altering the cysteine 19 residue to phenylalanine or tyrosine. These individuals present with a spondyloepiphyseal skeletal dysplasia characterized by short stature with a short trunk, diffuse platyspondyly, midface retrusion, progressive epiphyseal anomalies and brachytelephalangism. We investigated the cellular and molecular effects of one of the heterozygous deleterious variants (C19F) using both cell and genetically modified mouse models. Heterozygous 'knock-in' mice expressing C19F MGP recapitulate most of the skeletal anomalies observed in the affected individuals. Our results suggest that the main underlying mechanism leading to the observed skeletal dysplasia is endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of the growth plate chondrocytes. Overall, our findings support that heterozygous variants in MGP altering the Cys19 residue cause autosomal dominant spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a condition distinct from Keutel syndrome both clinically and molecularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélie Gourgas
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Lemire
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alison J Eaton
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sultanah Alshahrani
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Kym M Boycott
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monzur Murshed
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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9
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Kazan D, Eloglu H, Kiran R. A Rare Genetic Disorder: Keutel Syndrome with Dermatologic Manifestation. Dermatol Pract Concept 2023; 13:dpc.1304a225. [PMID: 37992362 PMCID: PMC10656148 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1304a225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Didem Kazan
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Eloglu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Rebiay Kiran
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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10
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Wu X, Zhang D, Qiao X, Zhang L, Cai X, Ji J, Ma JA, Zhao Y, Belperio JA, Boström KI, Yao Y. Regulating the cell shift of endothelial cell-like myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:2201799. [PMID: 36758986 PMCID: PMC10249020 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01799-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a common and severe fibrotic lung disease with high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have reported a large number of unwanted myofibroblasts appearing in pulmonary fibrosis, and shown that the sustained activation of myofibroblasts is essential for unremitting interstitial fibrogenesis. However, the origin of these myofibroblasts remains poorly understood. Here, we create new mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis and identify a previously unknown population of endothelial cell (EC)-like myofibroblasts in normal lung tissue. We show that these EC-like myofibroblasts significantly contribute myofibroblasts to pulmonary fibrosis, which is confirmed by single-cell RNA sequencing of human pulmonary fibrosis. Using the transcriptional profiles, we identified a small molecule that redirects the differentiation of EC-like myofibroblasts and reduces pulmonary fibrosis in our mouse models. Our study reveals the mechanistic underpinnings of the differentiation of EC-like myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis and may provide new strategies for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Xiaojing Qiao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaden Ji
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Ma
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John A Belperio
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Clinical Immunology, and Allergy, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Molecular Biology Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Monfrini E, Arienti F, Rinchetti P, Lotti F, Riboldi GM. Brain Calcifications: Genetic, Molecular, and Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108995. [PMID: 37240341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108995] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many conditions can present with accumulation of calcium in the brain and manifest with a variety of neurological symptoms. Brain calcifications can be primary (idiopathic or genetic) or secondary to various pathological conditions (e.g., calcium-phosphate metabolism derangement, autoimmune disorders and infections, among others). A set of causative genes associated with primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) has now been identified, and include genes such as SLC20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, XPR1, MYORG, and JAM2. However, many more genes are known to be linked with complex syndromes characterized by brain calcifications and additional neurologic and systemic manifestations. Of note, many of these genes encode for proteins involved in cerebrovascular and blood-brain barrier functions, which both represent key anatomical structures related to these pathological phenomena. As a growing number of genes associated with brain calcifications is identified, pathways involved in these conditions are beginning to be understood. Our comprehensive review of the genetic, molecular, and clinical aspects of brain calcifications offers a framework for clinicians and researchers in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Monfrini
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Arienti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Departments of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Giulietta M Riboldi
- The Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10017, USA
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12
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Zebrafish Models to Study Ectopic Calcification and Calcium-Associated Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043366. [PMID: 36834795 PMCID: PMC9967340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043366] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic calcification refers to the pathological accumulation of calcium ions in soft tissues and is often the result of a dysregulated action or disrupted function of proteins involved in extracellular matrix mineralization. While the mouse has traditionally been the go-to model organism for the study of pathologies associated with abnormal calcium deposition, many mouse mutants often have exacerbated phenotypes and die prematurely, limiting the understanding of the disease and the development of effective therapies. Since the mechanisms underlying ectopic calcification share some analogy with those of bone formation, the zebrafish (Danio rerio)-a well-established model for studying osteogenesis and mineralogenesis-has recently gained momentum as a model to study ectopic calcification disorders. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of ectopic mineralization in zebrafish, provide insights into zebrafish mutants that share phenotypic similarities with human pathological mineralization disorders, list the compounds capable of rescuing mutant phenotypes, and describe current methods to induce and characterize ectopic calcification in zebrafish.
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13
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Kida Y, Yamaguchi I. The vascular protective effect of matrix Gla protein during kidney injury. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2:970744. [PMID: 39086959 PMCID: PMC11285670 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.970744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a small secreted protein and requires vitamin K dependent γ-carboxylation for its function. MGP has been identified as a local inhibitor of vascular calcification because MGP-deficient mice die due to severe arterial calcification and resulting arterial rupture. Clinical trials revealed that reduction in active MGP predicts poor prognosis in patients due to cardiovascular complications. However, recent studies showed that MGP controls angiogenesis during development. MGP-deficient mice demonstrated abnormal hypervascularization and arteriovenous malformations in kidneys and other organs. This abnormal angiogenesis is largely caused by excessive expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2). However, only a few studies have investigated the roles of MGP in tissue injury. We observed mesangial cell proliferation and mild interstitial fibrosis in addition to increased capillaries in kidneys of MGP-null mice even without injury. We also created a mouse model with kidney injury and found that kidney damage greatly increases MGP expression in peritubular capillary endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells. Finally, our study showed that impairment of MGP expression aggravates peritubular capillary rarefaction and accumulation of collagen-producing myofibroblasts following kidney injury. Peritubular capillary damage induces capillary loss as well as trans-differentiation of vascular pericytes into myofibroblasts. These results indicate that MGP has the vascular protective effect in the injured kidney. Clinical trials have already started to test the efficacy of MGP activation to repair vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney diseases. In this "Hypothesis and Theory" article, we discuss possible mechanisms by which MGP protects against vascular damage during tissue injury based on our experimental results and previous results from other research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Kida
- Center for Tissue and Cell Sciences, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Nephrology, Takashimadaira Chūō General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuyo Yamaguchi
- Center for Tissue and Cell Sciences, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, OU Health, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Ghosh S, Oldenburg J, Czogalla-Nitsche KJ. The Role of GRP and MGP in the Development of Non-Hemorrhagic VKCFD1 Phenotypes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:798. [PMID: 35054981 PMCID: PMC8775833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin K dependent coagulation factor deficiency type 1 (VKCFD1) is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder caused by mutations in γ-Glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) gene. The GGCX enzyme catalyzes the γ-carboxylation of 15 different vitamin K dependent (VKD) proteins, which have function in blood coagulation, calcification, and cell signaling. Therefore, in addition to bleedings, some VKCFD1 patients develop diverse non-hemorrhagic phenotypes such as skin hyper-laxity, skeletal dysmorphologies, and/or cardiac defects. Recent studies showed that GGCX mutations differentially effect γ-carboxylation of VKD proteins, where clotting factors are sufficiently γ-carboxylated, but not certain non-hemostatic VKD proteins. This could be one reason for the development of diverse phenotypes. The major manifestation of non-hemorrhagic phenotypes in VKCFD1 patients are mineralization defects. Therefore, the mechanism of regulation of calcification by specific VKD proteins as matrix Gla protein (MGP) and Gla-rich protein (GRP) in physiological and pathological conditions is of high interest. This will also help to understand the patho-mechanism of VKCFD1 phenotypes and to deduce new treatment strategies. In the present review article, we have summarized the recent findings on the function of GRP and MGP and how these proteins influence the development of non-hemorrhagic phenotypes in VKCFD1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvoshree Ghosh
- Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Venusberg Campus 1, University Clinic Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.G.); (J.O.)
| | - Johannes Oldenburg
- Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Venusberg Campus 1, University Clinic Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.G.); (J.O.)
- Center for Rare Diseases Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, University Clinic Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin J. Czogalla-Nitsche
- Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Venusberg Campus 1, University Clinic Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.G.); (J.O.)
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15
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Beulens JWJ, Canto ED, Stehouwer CDA, Rennenberg RJMW, Elders PJM, van Ballegooijen AJ. High vitamin K status is prospectively associated with decreased left ventricular mass in women: the Hoorn Study. Nutr J 2021; 20:85. [PMID: 34666769 PMCID: PMC8524956 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-021-00742-0] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin K is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk such as heart failure, possibly by carboxylation of matrix-gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. The relationship of vitamin K intake or status with cardiac structure and function is largely unknown. Therefore this study aims to investigate the prospective association of vitamin K status and intake with echocardiographic measures. Methods This study included 427 participants from the Hoorn Study, a population-based cohort. Vitamin K status was assessed at baseline by plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) with higher concentrations reflecting lower vitamin K status. Vitamin K intake was assessed at baseline with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after a mean follow-up time of 7.6, SD=±0.7 years. We used linear regression for the association of vitamin K status and intake with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), adjusted for potential confounders. Results The mean age was 66.8, SD=±6.1 years (51% were male). A high vitamin K status was prospectively associated with decreased LVMI (change from baseline to follow-up: -5.0, 95% CI: -10.5;0.4 g/m2.7) for the highest quartile compared to the lowest in women (P-interaction sex=0.07). No association was found in men. Vitamin K status was not associated with LVEF or LAVI. Vitamin K intake was not associated with any of the echocardiographic measures. Conclusions This study showed a high vitamin K status being associated with decreased LVMI only in women, while intakes of vitamin K were not associated with any cardiac structure or function measures. These results extend previous findings for a role of vitamin K status to decrease heart failure risk. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12937-021-00742-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline W J Beulens
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Medical Faculty, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Dal Canto
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Coen D A Stehouwer
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger J M W Rennenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra J M Elders
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana Johanne van Ballegooijen
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Nephrology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC-location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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