1
|
Yao J, Chen Y, Huang Y, Sun X, Shi X. The role of cardiac microenvironment in cardiovascular diseases: implications for therapy. Hum Cell 2024; 37:607-624. [PMID: 38498133 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01052-3] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Due to aging populations and changes in lifestyle, cardiovascular diseases including cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, are the leading causes of death worldwide. The heart is a complicated organ composed of multicellular types, including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Cellular specialization and complex interplay between different cell types are crucial for the cardiac tissue homeostasis and coordinated function of the heart. Mounting studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional cells and disordered cardiac microenvironment are closely associated with the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, we discuss the composition and the homeostasis of cardiac tissues, and focus on the role of cardiac environment and underlying molecular mechanisms in various cardiovascular diseases. Besides, we elucidate the novel treatment for cardiovascular diseases, including stem cell therapy and targeted therapy. Clarification of these issues may provide novel insights into the prevention and potential targets for cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuejun Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqing Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoou Sun
- Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xingjuan Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao M, Zheng Z, Peng S, Xu Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Pan W, Yin Z, Xu S, Wei C, Wang M, Wan J, Qin J. Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Repeats and Discoidin I-Like Domains 3 Deficiency Attenuates Dilated Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 10 Dependent Smad4 Deubiquitination. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031283. [PMID: 38456416 PMCID: PMC11010021 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031283] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of heart failure with a poor prognosis. Recent studies suggest that endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may be involved in the pathogenesis and cardiac remodeling during DCM development. EDIL3 (epidermal growth factor-like repeats and discoidin I-like domains 3) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that has been reported to promote EndMT in various diseases. However, the roles of EDIL3 in DCM still remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS A mouse model of DCM and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to explore the roles and mechanisms of EDIL3 in DCM. The results indicated that EndMT and EDIL3 were activated in DCM mice. EDIL3 deficiency attenuated cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in DCM mice. EDIL3 knockdown alleviated EndMT by inhibiting USP10 (ubiquitin specific peptidase 10) dependent Smad4 deubiquitination in vivo and in vitro. Recombinant human EDIL3 promoted EndMT via reinforcing deubiquitination of Smad4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with IL-1β (interleukin 1β) and TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta). Inhibiting USP10 abolished EndMT exacerbated by EDIL3. In addition, recombinant EDIL3 also aggravates doxorubicin-induced EndMT by promoting Smad4 deubiquitination in HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results indicate that EDIL3 deficiency attenuated EndMT by inhibiting USP10 dependent Smad4 deubiquitination in DCM mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Zihui Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Shanshan Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Jishou Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Jianfang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Shuwan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Cheng Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Menglong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Cardiovascular Research InstituteWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of CardiologyWuhanChina
| | - Juan‐Juan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of GeriatricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Center for Healthy AgingWuhan University School of NursingWuhanChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chi C, Roland TJ, Song K. Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modeling: Learning from Heart Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:337. [PMID: 38543122 PMCID: PMC10975450 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030337] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is a pressing public health problem and the leading cause of death worldwide. The heart is the first organ to gain function during embryogenesis in mammals. Heart development involves cell determination, expansion, migration, and crosstalk, which are orchestrated by numerous signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, TGF-β, IGF, and Retinoic acid signaling pathways. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-based platforms are emerging as promising approaches for modeling heart disease in vitro. Understanding the signaling pathways that are essential for cardiac development has shed light on the molecular mechanisms of congenital heart defects and postnatal heart diseases, significantly advancing stem cell-based platforms to model heart diseases. This review summarizes signaling pathways that are crucial for heart development and discusses how these findings improve the strategies for modeling human heart disease in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congwu Chi
- Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (C.C.); (T.J.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Truman J. Roland
- Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (C.C.); (T.J.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Kunhua Song
- Heart Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (C.C.); (T.J.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miao H, Hui H, Fan W, Lin Y, Li H, Li D, Luo M, Qiu F, Jiang B, Zhang Y. Overexpressed pigment epithelium-derived factor alleviates pulmonary hypertension in two rat models induced by monocrotaline and SU5416/hypoxia. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116303. [PMID: 38377738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116303] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and fatal cardiopulmonary disease characterized by vascular remodeling and is associated with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). The pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a secretory protein widely distributed in multiple organs, has been shown to demonstrate anti-EndoMT activity in cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, the role of PEDF in PH was investigated. METHODS For PEDF overexpression, Sprague Dawley rats were infected with an adeno-associated virus through injection via the internal jugular vein. To establish PH models, the animals were subjected to monocrotaline or Sugen/hypoxia. Four weeks later, pulmonary artery angiography was performed, and hemodynamic parameters, right ventricular function, and vascular remodeling were evaluated. EndoMT and cell proliferation in the pulmonary arteries were assessed via immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) isolated from experimental PH rats were cultured to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. RESULTS PEDF expression was significantly downregulated in PAECs from PH patients and PH model rats. Overexpressed PEDF alleviated the development of PH by improving pulmonary artery morphology and perfusion, reducing pulmonary artery pressure, improving right ventricular function, and alleviating vascular remodeling. PEDF inhibits EndoMT and reduces excessive PAEC proliferation. Moreover, PEDF overexpression reduced EndoMT in cultured PAECs by competitively inhibiting the binding of wnt to LRP6 and downregulating phosphorylation at the 1490 site of LRP6. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PEDF may be a potential therapeutic target for PH. We also found that PEDF can inhibit EndoMT in PAECs and may exert these effects by inhibiting the Wnt/LRP6/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Miao
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Hongliang Hui
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Wenbin Fan
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Yangui Lin
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Huaming Li
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Dan Li
- Community Health Center, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China
| | - Fan Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China.
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China.
| | - Yiqian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Notenboom ML, Van Hoof L, Schuermans A, Takkenberg JJM, Rega FR, Taverne YJHJ. Aortic Valve Embryology, Mechanobiology, and Second Messenger Pathways: Implications for Clinical Practice. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:49. [PMID: 38392263 PMCID: PMC10888685 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11020049] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to successfully detail the anatomy of the aortic root and its adjacent structures. Ever since, novel insights into morphology, function, and their interplay have accumulated, resulting in advanced knowledge on the complex functional characteristics of the aortic valve (AV) and root. This has shifted our vision from the AV as being a static structure towards that of a dynamic interconnected apparatus within the aortic root as a functional unit, exhibiting a complex interplay with adjacent structures via both humoral and mechanical stimuli. This paradigm shift has stimulated surgical treatment strategies of valvular disease that seek to recapitulate healthy AV function, whereby AV disease can no longer be seen as an isolated morphological pathology which needs to be replaced. As prostheses still cannot reproduce the complexity of human nature, treatment of diseased AVs, whether stenotic or insufficient, has tremendously evolved, with a similar shift towards treatments options that are more hemodynamically centered, such as the Ross procedure and valve-conserving surgery. Native AV and root components allow for an efficient Venturi effect over the valve to allow for optimal opening during the cardiac cycle, while also alleviating the left ventricle. Next to that, several receptors are present on native AV leaflets, enabling messenger pathways based on their interaction with blood and other shear-stress-related stimuli. Many of these physiological and hemodynamical processes are under-acknowledged but may hold important clues for innovative treatment strategies, or as potential novel targets for therapeutic agents that halt or reverse the process of valve degeneration. A structured overview of these pathways and their implications for cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists is lacking. As such, we provide an overview on embryology, hemodynamics, and messenger pathways of the healthy and diseased AV and its implications for clinical practice, by relating this knowledge to current treatment alternatives and clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan L Notenboom
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Van Hoof
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Art Schuermans
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna J M Takkenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filip R Rega
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. The contribution of endothelial cells to tissue fibrosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:52-60. [PMID: 37582200 PMCID: PMC10715704 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000963] [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: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tissue fibrosis is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with various diseases and heavily impacting on global morbidity and mortality rates. Growing evidence indicates that common cellular and molecular mechanisms may drive fibrosis of diverse cause and affecting different organs. The scope of this review is to highlight recent findings in support for an important role of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, with a special focus on systemic sclerosis as a prototypic multisystem fibrotic disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Although transition of fibroblasts to chronically activated myofibroblasts is widely considered the central profibrotic switch, the endothelial cell involvement in development and progression of fibrosis has been increasingly recognized over the last few years. Endothelial cells can contribute to the fibrotic process either directly by acting as source of myofibroblasts through endothelial-to-myofibroblast transition (EndMT) and concomitant microvascular rarefaction, or indirectly by becoming senescent and/or secreting a variety of profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators with consequent fibroblast activation and recruitment of inflammatory/immune cells that further promote fibrosis. SUMMARY An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying EndMT or the acquisition of a profibrotic secretory phenotype by endothelial cells will provide the rationale for novel endothelial cell reprogramming-based therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mimouni M, Lajoix AD, Desmetz C. Experimental Models to Study Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Myocardial Fibrosis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:382. [PMID: 38203553 PMCID: PMC10779210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010382] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common feature of cardiovascular diseases and targets multiple organs, such as the heart and vessels. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a complex, vital process that occurs during embryonic formation and plays a crucial role in cardiac development. It is also a fundamental process implicated in cardiac fibrosis and repair, but also in other organs. Indeed, in numerous cardiovascular diseases, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been shown to be involved in the generation of fibroblasts that are able to produce extracellular matrix proteins such as type I collagen. This massive deposition results in tissue stiffening and organ dysfunction. To advance our understanding of this process for the development of new specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, it is essential to develop relevant cellular and animal models of this process. In this review, our aim was to gain an in-depth insight into existing in vitro and in vivo models of endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on cardiac fibrosis. We discuss important parameters impacting endothelial to mesenchymal transition, and we give perspectives for the development of relevant models to decipher the underlying mechanisms and ultimately find new treatments specific to fibrosis happening in cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mimouni
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Dominique Lajoix
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Desmetz
- Biocommunication in Cardio-Metabolism (BC2M), University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bełtowski J. Role of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Kidney Injury Associated With Salt-Sensitive Hypertension. Am J Hypertens 2023; 36:641-642. [PMID: 37688319 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Bełtowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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..
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu H, Huang J, Zhang S, Zhang B, Li W, Sun K. Tumor necrosis factor-α stimulation endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition during cardiac fibrosis via endothelin-1 signaling. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23411. [PMID: 37334666 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23411] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an important pathological change after myocardial infarction (MI). High concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) contributes to cardiac fibrosis, and TNF-α has been demonstrated to be involved in transforming growth factor-β1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). However, the role and molecular mechanisms of TNF-α during cardiac fibrosis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated that TNF-α and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were upregulated in cardiac fibrosis after MI, and genes associated with EndMT were also upregulated. An in vitro model of EndMT demonstrated that TNF-α promoted EndMT by upregulation of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, and which strongly increased ET-1 expression. ET-1 promoted TNF-α-induced expression of gene program through phosphorylation levels of SMAD family member 2, while subsequent inhibition of ET-1 almost abolished the effect of TNF-α during the process of EndMT. In summary, these findings demonstrated that ET-1 is involved in the EndMT induced by TNF-α during cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihong Huang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sun T, Liu Y, Chen Y, Xu W, Wang T, Liu K, Liu J. Study on the mechanism of aging-related erectile dysfunction based on bioinformatics and experimental verification. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:197-208. [PMID: 36915879 PMCID: PMC10005994 DOI: 10.21037/tau-22-511] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of aging-related erectile dysfunction (ED) remains high in the elderly population, and has attracted the attention of the medical community. However, aging-related ED responds poorly to traditional treatments for ED, and its mechanism has not yet been fully clarified. This study sought to explore the potential mechanisms of aging-related ED based on bioinformatics and experimental verification. Methods A bioinformatics analysis was performed on data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database related to ED and aging, and the associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways were identified. Young and aged rats (n=8 per group) were included in the experimental verification study. Erectile function was detected by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The corpus cavernosum was collected for the follow-up experiments. Results A total of 4 hub genes were identified, among which biglycan (BGN) appears to play an important role. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the extracellular matrix (ECM), especially collagen, related pathways, and the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway were enriched, which was also confirmed by the animal experiments. Impaired erectile function in aged rats was associated with the downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, endothelial dysfunction, and increased fibrosis in the penis. Conclusions Erectile function is impaired with aging. The downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, endothelial dysfunction, and increased fibrosis are involved in this process. BGN may be the key gene regulating these changes. Our study extended understandings of the mechanisms of age-related ED and provides new potential treatment ideas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yipiao Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guo S, Zhou Y, Xie X. Resveratrol inhibiting TGF/ERK signaling pathway can improve atherosclerosis: backgrounds, mechanisms and effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113775. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
|
13
|
Mey GM, DeSilva TM. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in multiple sclerosis: Good cells gone bad. Neuron 2022; 110:3053-3055. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
14
|
Gole S, Tkachenko S, Masannat T, Baylis RA, Cherepanova OA. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Atherosclerosis: Friend or Foe? Cells 2022; 11:cells11192946. [PMID: 36230908 PMCID: PMC9563961 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite many decades of research, complications of atherosclerosis resulting from the rupture or erosion of unstable plaques remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Advances in cellular lineage tracing techniques have allowed researchers to begin investigating the role of individual cell types in the key processes regulating plaque stability, including maintenance of the fibrous cap, a protective collagen-rich structure that underlies the endothelium. This structure was previously thought to be entirely derived from smooth muscle cells (SMC), which migrated from the vessel wall. However, recent lineage tracing studies have identified endothelial cells (EC) as an essential component of this protective barrier through an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process that has previously been implicated in pulmonary, cardiac, and kidney fibrosis. Although the presence of EndoMT in atherosclerotic plaques has been shown by several laboratories using EC-lineage tracing mouse models, whether EndoMT is detrimental (i.e., worsening disease progression) or beneficial (i.e., an athero-protective response that prevents plaque instability) remains uncertain as there are data to support both possibilities, which will be further discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarin Gole
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2109 Adelbert, RD, BRB, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tarek Masannat
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Richard A. Baylis
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St Gray 730, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Olga A. Cherepanova
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NB5, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-445-7491
| |
Collapse
|