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Su M, Hou Y, Cai S, Li W, Wei Y, Wang R, Wu M, Liu M, Chang J, Yang K, Yiu K, Chen C. Elevated ITGA1 levels in type 2 diabetes: implications for cardiac function impairment. Diabetologia 2024; 67:850-863. [PMID: 38413438 PMCID: PMC10954979 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06109-4] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Type 2 diabetes mellitus is known to contribute to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, identifying HFpEF in individuals with type 2 diabetes early on is often challenging due to a limited array of biomarkers. This study aims to investigate specific biomarkers associated with the progression of HFpEF in individuals with type 2 diabetes, for the purpose of enabling early detection and more effective management strategies. METHODS Blood samples were collected from individuals with type 2 diabetes, both with and without HFpEF, for proteomic analysis. Plasma integrin α1 (ITGA1) levels were measured and compared between the two groups. Participants were further categorised based on ITGA1 levels and underwent detailed transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and during a median follow-up period of 30 months. Multivariable linear and Cox regression analyses were conducted separately to assess the associations between plasma ITGA1 levels and changes in echocardiography indicators and re-hospitalisation risk. Additionally, proteomic data for the individuals' left ventricles, from ProteomeXchange database, were analysed to uncover mechanisms underlying the change in ITGA1 levels in HFpEF. RESULTS Individuals with type 2 diabetes and HFpEF showed significantly higher plasma ITGA1 levels than the individuals with type 2 diabetes without HFpEF. These elevated ITGA1 levels were associated with left ventricular remodelling and impaired diastolic function. Furthermore, during a median follow-up of 30 months, multivariable analysis revealed that elevated ITGA1 levels independently correlated with deterioration of both diastolic and systolic cardiac functions. Additionally, higher baseline plasma ITGA1 levels independently predicted re-hospitalisation risk (HR 2.331 [95% CI 1.387, 3.917], p=0.001). Proteomic analysis of left ventricular myocardial tissue provided insights into the impact of increased ITGA1 levels on cardiac fibrosis-related pathways and the contribution made by these changes to the development and progression of HFpEF. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION ITGA1 serves as a biomarker for monitoring cardiac structural and functional damage, can be used to accurately diagnose the presence of HFpEF, and can be used to predict potential deterioration in cardiac structure and function as well as re-hospitalisation for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its measurement holds promise for facilitating risk stratification and early intervention to mitigate the adverse cardiovascular effects associated with diabetes. DATA AVAILABILITY The proteomic data of left ventricular myocardial tissue from individuals with type 2 diabetes, encompassing both those with and without HFpEF, is available from the ProteomeXchange database at http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Su
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yilin Hou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sidong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenpeng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yinxia Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Run Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingya Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kelaier Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaihang Yiu
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Angeli E, Jordan M, Otto M, Stojanović SD, Karsdal M, Bauersachs J, Thum T, Fiedler J, Genovese F. The role of fibrosis in cardiomyopathies: An opportunity to develop novel biomarkers of disease activity. Matrix Biol 2024; 128:65-78. [PMID: 38423395 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.02.008] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies encompass a spectrum of heart disorders with diverse causes and presentations. Fibrosis stands out as a shared hallmark among various cardiomyopathies, reflecting a common thread in their pathogenesis. This prevalent fibrotic response is intricately linked to the consequences of dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, emphasizing its significance in the development and progression the disease. This review explores the ECM involvement in various cardiomyopathies and its impact on myocardial stiffness and fibrosis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of ECM fragments as early diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Biomarkers deriving from turnover of collagens and other ECM proteins hold promise in clinical applications. We outline current clinical management, future directions, and the potential for personalized ECM-targeted therapies with specific focus on microRNAs. In summary, this review examines the role of the fibrosis in cardiomyopathies, highlighting the potential of ECM-derived biomarkers in improving disease management with implications for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Angeli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Maria Jordan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Mandy Otto
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Stevan D Stojanović
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany; Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | | | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Jan Fiedler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Federica Genovese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lazzarino M, Zanetti M, Chen SN, Gao S, Peña B, Lam CK, Wu JC, Taylor MRG, Mestroni L, Sbaizero O. Defective Biomechanics and Pharmacological Rescue of Human Cardiomyocytes with Filamin C Truncations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2942. [PMID: 38474188 PMCID: PMC10932268 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052942] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin-binding filamin C (FLNC) is expressed in cardiomyocytes, where it localizes to Z-discs, sarcolemma, and intercalated discs. Although FLNC truncation variants (FLNCtv) are an established cause of arrhythmias and heart failure, changes in biomechanical properties of cardiomyocytes are mostly unknown. Thus, we investigated the mechanical properties of human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) carrying FLNCtv. CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited homozygous FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs and heterozygous knock-out FLNCKO+/- hiPSC-CMs were analyzed and compared to wild-type FLNC (FLNCWT) hiPSC-CMs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to perform micro-indentation to evaluate passive and dynamic mechanical properties. A qualitative analysis of the beating traces showed gene dosage-dependent-manner "irregular" peak profiles in FLNCKO+/- and FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs. Two Young's moduli were calculated: E1, reflecting the compression of the plasma membrane and actin cortex, and E2, including the whole cell with a cytoskeleton and nucleus. Both E1 and E2 showed decreased stiffness in mutant FLNCKO+/- and FLNCKO-/- iPSC-CMs compared to that in FLNCWT. The cell adhesion force and work of adhesion were assessed using the retraction curve of the SCFS. Mutant FLNC iPSC-CMs showed gene dosage-dependent decreases in the work of adhesion and adhesion forces from the heterozygous FLNCKO+/- to the FLNCKO-/- model compared to FLNCWT, suggesting damaged cytoskeleton and membrane structures. Finally, we investigated the effect of crenolanib on the mechanical properties of hiPSC-CMs. Crenolanib is an inhibitor of the Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α (PDGFRA) pathway which is upregulated in FLNCtv hiPSC-CMs. Crenolanib was able to partially rescue the stiffness of FLNCKO-/- hiPSC-CMs compared to control, supporting its potential therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lazzarino
- CNR-IOM, Area Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.L.); (M.Z.)
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Michele Zanetti
- CNR-IOM, Area Science Park, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.L.); (M.Z.)
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Brisa Peña
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
- Bioengineering Department, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chi Keung Lam
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (C.K.L.); (J.C.W.)
| | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (C.K.L.); (J.C.W.)
| | - Matthew R. G. Taylor
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (S.N.C.); (S.G.); (B.P.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
- Engineering and Architecture Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Alcalde M, Toro R, Bonet F, Córdoba-Caballero J, Martínez-Barrios E, Ranea JA, Vallverdú-Prats M, Brugada R, Meraviglia V, Bellin M, Sarquella-Brugada G, Campuzano O. Role of MicroRNAs in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: translation as biomarkers into clinical practice. Transl Res 2023:S1931-5244(23)00070-1. [PMID: 37105319 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a rare inherited entity, characterized by a progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the myocardium. It leads to malignant arrhythmias and a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity are hallmarks of this arrhythmogenic cardiac disease, where the first manifestation may be syncope and sudden cardiac death, often triggered by physical exercise. Early identification of individuals at risk is crucial to adopt protective and ideally personalized measures to prevent lethal episodes. The genetic analysis identifies deleterious rare variants in nearly 70% of cases, mostly in genes encoding proteins of the desmosome. However, other factors may modulate the phenotype onset and outcome of disease, such as microRNAs. These small noncoding RNAs play a key role in gene expression regulation and the network of cellular processes. In recent years, data focused on the role of microRNAs as potential biomarkers in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy has progressively increased. A better understanding of the functions and interactions of microRNAs will likely have clinical implications. Herein, we propose an exhaustive review of the literature regarding these noncoding RNAs, their versatile mechanisms of gene regulation and present novel targets in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Alcalde
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190 Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Toro
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, 11003 Cadiz Spain; Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz Spain.
| | - Fernando Bonet
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, 11003 Cadiz Spain; Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz Spain
| | - José Córdoba-Caballero
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, 11003 Cadiz Spain; Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz Spain
| | - Estefanía Martínez-Barrios
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, 08950 Barcelona Spain; European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), 1105 AZ Amsterdam Netherlands; Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Ranea
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29590 Málaga Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 29029 Madrid Spain
| | - Marta Vallverdú-Prats
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190 Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190 Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003 Girona Spain; Cardiology Department, Hospital Josep Trueta, 17007 Girona Spain
| | - Viviana Meraviglia
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 Leiden Netherlands
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 Leiden Netherlands; Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 35129 Padua Italy
| | - Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
- Pediatric Arrhythmias, Inherited Cardiac Diseases and Sudden Death Unit, Cardiology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, 08950 Barcelona Spain; European Reference Network for Rare, Low Prevalence and Complex Diseases of the Heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), 1105 AZ Amsterdam Netherlands; Arrítmies Pediàtriques, Cardiologia Genètica i Mort Sobtada, Malalties Cardiovasculars en el Desenvolupament, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona Spain; Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003 Girona Spain
| | - Oscar Campuzano
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona-IDIBGI, 17190 Girona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red. Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003 Girona Spain.
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Schinner C, Xu L, Franz H, Zimmermann A, Wanuske MT, Rathod M, Hanns P, Geier F, Pelczar P, Liang Y, Lorenz V, Stüdle C, Maly PI, Kauferstein S, Beckmann BM, Sheikh F, Kuster GM, Spindler V. Defective Desmosomal Adhesion Causes Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy by Involving an Integrin-αVβ6/TGF-β Signaling Cascade. Circulation 2022; 146:1610-1626. [PMID: 36268721 PMCID: PMC9674449 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is characterized by progressive loss of cardiomyocytes with fibrofatty tissue replacement, systolic dysfunction, and life-threatening arrhythmias. A substantial proportion of ACM is caused by mutations in genes of the desmosomal cell-cell adhesion complex, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the current study, we investigated the relevance of defective desmosomal adhesion for ACM development and progression. METHODS We mutated the binding site of DSG2 (desmoglein-2), a crucial desmosomal adhesion molecule in cardiomyocytes. This DSG2-W2A mutation abrogates the tryptophan swap, a central interaction mechanism of DSG2 on the basis of structural data. Impaired adhesive function of DSG2-W2A was confirmed by cell-cell dissociation assays and force spectroscopy measurements by atomic force microscopy. The DSG2-W2A knock-in mouse model was analyzed by echocardiography, ECG, and histologic and biomolecular techniques including RNA sequencing and transmission electron and superresolution microscopy. The results were compared with ACM patient samples, and their relevance was confirmed in vivo and in cardiac slice cultures by inhibitor studies applying the small molecule EMD527040 or an inhibitory integrin-αVβ6 antibody. RESULTS The DSG2-W2A mutation impaired binding on molecular level and compromised intercellular adhesive function. Mice bearing this mutation develop a severe cardiac phenotype recalling the characteristics of ACM, including cardiac fibrosis, impaired systolic function, and arrhythmia. A comparison of the transcriptome of mutant mice with ACM patient data suggested deregulated integrin-αVβ6 and subsequent transforming growth factor-β signaling as driver of cardiac fibrosis. Blocking integrin-αVβ6 led to reduced expression of profibrotic markers and reduced fibrosis formation in mutant animals in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We show that disruption of desmosomal adhesion is sufficient to induce a phenotype that fulfils the clinical criteria to establish the diagnosis of ACM, confirming the dysfunctional adhesion hypothesis. Deregulation of integrin-αVβ6 and transforming growth factor-β signaling was identified as a central step toward fibrosis. A pilot in vivo drug test revealed this pathway as a promising target to ameliorate fibrosis. This highlights the value of this model to discern mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and to identify and test novel treatment options for ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Schinner
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lifen Xu
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland (L.X., V.L., G.M.K.)
| | - Henriette Franz
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aude Zimmermann
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Therès Wanuske
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maitreyi Rathod
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Hanns
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Geier
- Department of Biomedicine, Bioinformatics Core Facility (F.G.), University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland (F.G.)
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models (P.P.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (Y.L., F.S.)
| | - Vera Lorenz
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland (L.X., V.L., G.M.K.)
| | - Chiara Stüdle
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Piotr I. Maly
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Silke Kauferstein
- Department of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (S.K., B.M.B.)
| | - Britt M. Beckmann
- Department of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (S.K., B.M.B.)
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany (B.M.B.)
| | - Farah Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (Y.L., F.S.)
| | - Gabriela M. Kuster
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland (L.X., V.L., G.M.K.)
- Division of Cardiology (G.M.K.), University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Volker Spindler
- Department of Biomedicine, Section Anatomy (C. Schinner, H.F., A.Z., M.-T.W., M.R., P.H., C. Stüdle, P.I.M., V.S.), University of Basel, Switzerland
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Camors EM, Roth AH, Alef JR, Sullivan RD, Johnson JN, Purevjav E, Towbin JA. Progressive Reduction in Right Ventricular Contractile Function Due to Altered Actin Expression in an Aging Mouse Model of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Circulation 2022; 145:1609-1624. [PMID: 35437032 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.049261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited genetic disorder of desmosomal dysfunction, and plakophilin-2 (PKP2) has been reported to be the most common disease-causing gene when mutation-positive. In the early "concealed" phase, the ACM heart is at high risk of sudden cardiac death before cardiac remodeling occurs due to mistargeted ion channels and altered Ca2+ handling. However, the results of pathogenic PKP2 variants on myocyte contraction in ACM pathogenesis remain unknown. METHODS We studied the outcomes of a human truncating variant of PKP2 on myocyte contraction using a novel knock-in mouse model with insertion of thymidine in exon 5 of Pkp2, which mimics a familial case of ACM (PKP2-L404fsX5). We used serial echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurements, histology, cardiomyocyte contraction, intracellular calcium measurements, and gene and protein expression studies. RESULTS Serial echocardiography of Pkp2 heterozygous (Pkp2-Het) mice revealed progressive failure of the right ventricle (RV) in animals older than three months of age. By contrast, left ventricular (LV) function remained normal. Electrocardiograms of six-month-old anesthetized Pkp2-Het mice showed normal baseline heart rates and QRS complexes. Cardiac responses to β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (2 mg.kg-1) plus caffeine (120 mg.kg-1) were also normal. However, adrenergic stimulation enhanced the susceptibility of Pkp2-Het hearts to tachyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Histologic staining showed no significant fibrosis or adipocyte infiltration in the RVs and LVs of six- and twelve-month-old Pkp2-Het hearts. Contractility assessment of isolated myocytes demonstrated progressively reduced Pkp2-Het RV cardiomyocyte function consistent with RV failure measured by echocardiography. However, aging Pkp2-Het and control RV myocytes loaded with intracellular Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 showed comparable Ca2+ transients. Western blotting of Pkp2-RV homogenates revealed a 40% decrease in actin, while actin immunoprecipitation followed by a 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine staining showed doubled oxidation level. This correlated with a 39% increase in troponin-I phosphorylation. In contrast, Pkp2-Het LV myocytes had normal contraction, actin expression and oxidation, and troponin-I phosphorylation. Finally, Western blotting of cardiac biopsies revealed actin expression was 40% decreased in RVs of end-stage ACM patients. CONCLUSIONS During the early "concealed" phase of ACM, reduced actin expression drives loss of RV myocyte contraction, contributing to progressive RV dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel M Camors
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Alyson H Roth
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Joseph R Alef
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Ryan D Sullivan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AR
| | - Jason N Johnson
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN; Pediatric Cardiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Enkhsaikhan Purevjav
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jeffrey A Towbin
- Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Children's Foundation Research Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN; Pediatric Cardiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Zanetti M, Chen SN, Conti M, Taylor MRG, Sbaizero O, Mestroni L, Lazzarino M. Microfabricated cantilevers for parallelized cell-cell adhesion measurements. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2022; 51:147-156. [PMID: 34304293 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell adhesion measured with atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers outstanding time and force resolution and allows the investigation of many important phenomena with unmatched precision. However, this technique suffers from serious practical limitations that hinder its effective application to a broader set of situations. Here we propose a different strategy based on the fabrication of large cantilevers and on the culture of the cells directly on them. Cantilevers are fabricated by standard micromachining, with an active area of 300 × 300 µm. A wedged structure is created so that the cantilever surface lies parallel to the substrate when mounted on an AFM system, so that the adhesion measurement probes the whole surface area at the same time. Thanks to the large area, cells can be seeded and grown on the cantilevers the day before the experiment, and let recover to optimal condition for the experiment. We used Human Embryonic Kidney cells, HEK 293A, to demonstrate the measurement of adhesion forces of up to 100 cells in parallel, and obtain a straightforward measurement of the average single cell adhesion energy. Our approach can improve significantly the cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion statistics, reduce the experiment time and allow the investigation of the adhesion properties of cells that do not grow well in solution or on low adherent substrates, or that develop their characteristic features only after several hours or days of culture on a solid and adherent substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Zanetti
- CNR-IOM, Istituto Officina dei Materiali - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149, Trieste, Italy
- University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045-2507, USA
| | - Martina Conti
- CNR-IOM, Istituto Officina dei Materiali - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149, Trieste, Italy
- University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Matthew R G Taylor
- Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045-2507, USA
| | | | - Luisa Mestroni
- Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045-2507, USA
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- CNR-IOM, Istituto Officina dei Materiali - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
- Molecular Genetics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045-2507, USA.
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8
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Siddiqui HB, Dogru S, Lashkarinia SS, Pekkan K. Soft-Tissue Material Properties and Mechanogenetics during Cardiovascular Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9020064. [PMID: 35200717 PMCID: PMC8876703 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, changes in the cardiovascular microstructure and material properties are essential for an integrated biomechanical understanding. This knowledge also enables realistic predictive computational tools, specifically targeting the formation of congenital heart defects. Material characterization of cardiovascular embryonic tissue at consequent embryonic stages is critical to understand growth, remodeling, and hemodynamic functions. Two biomechanical loading modes, which are wall shear stress and blood pressure, are associated with distinct molecular pathways and govern vascular morphology through microstructural remodeling. Dynamic embryonic tissues have complex signaling networks integrated with mechanical factors such as stress, strain, and stiffness. While the multiscale interplay between the mechanical loading modes and microstructural changes has been studied in animal models, mechanical characterization of early embryonic cardiovascular tissue is challenging due to the miniature sample sizes and active/passive vascular components. Accordingly, this comparative review focuses on the embryonic material characterization of developing cardiovascular systems and attempts to classify it for different species and embryonic timepoints. Key cardiovascular components including the great vessels, ventricles, heart valves, and the umbilical cord arteries are covered. A state-of-the-art review of experimental techniques for embryonic material characterization is provided along with the two novel methods developed to measure the residual and von Mises stress distributions in avian embryonic vessels noninvasively, for the first time in the literature. As attempted in this review, the compilation of embryonic mechanical properties will also contribute to our understanding of the mature cardiovascular system and possibly lead to new microstructural and genetic interventions to correct abnormal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hummaira Banu Siddiqui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey; (H.B.S.); (S.D.); (S.S.L.)
| | - Sedat Dogru
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey; (H.B.S.); (S.D.); (S.S.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Seyedeh Samaneh Lashkarinia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey; (H.B.S.); (S.D.); (S.S.L.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Kerem Pekkan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey; (H.B.S.); (S.D.); (S.S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-(533)-356-3595
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9
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Zhang K, Cloonan PE, Sundaram S, Liu F, Das SL, Ewoldt JK, Bays JL, Tomp S, Toepfer CN, Marsiglia JDC, Gorham J, Reichart D, Eyckmans J, Seidman JG, Seidman CE, Chen CS. Plakophilin-2 truncating variants impair cardiac contractility by disrupting sarcomere stability and organization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabh3995. [PMID: 34652945 PMCID: PMC8519574 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh3995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Progressive loss of cardiac systolic function in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) has recently gained attention as an important clinical consideration in managing the disease. However, the mechanisms leading to reduction in cardiac contractility are poorly defined. Here, we use CRISPR gene editing to generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that harbor plakophilin-2 truncating variants (PKP2tv), the most prevalent ACM-linked mutations. The PKP2tv iPSC–derived cardiomyocytes are shown to have aberrant action potentials and reduced systolic function in cardiac microtissues, recapitulating both the electrical and mechanical pathologies reported in ACM. By combining cell micropatterning with traction force microscopy and live imaging, we found that PKP2tvs impair cardiac tissue contractility by destabilizing cell-cell junctions and in turn disrupting sarcomere stability and organization. These findings highlight the interplay between cell-cell adhesions and sarcomeres required for stabilizing cardiomyocyte structure and function and suggest fundamental pathogenic mechanisms that may be shared among different types of cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paige E. Cloonan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Subramanian Sundaram
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shoshana L. Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jourdan K. Ewoldt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Bays
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samuel Tomp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher N. Toepfer
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Joshua Gorham
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Reichart
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeroen Eyckmans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Christine E. Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Christopher S. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Cheedipudi SM, Fan S, Rouhi L, Marian AJ. Pharmacological suppression of the WNT signaling pathway attenuates age-dependent expression of the phenotype in a mouse model of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR AGING 2021; 1. [PMID: 34447973 PMCID: PMC8386676 DOI: 10.20517/jca.2021.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disease of the myocardium, characterized by cardiac arrhythmias, dysfunction, and sudden cardiac death. The pathological hallmark of ACM is fibro-adipocytes replacing cardiac myocytes. The canonical WNT pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of ACM. Aim The study aimed to determine the effects of the suppression of the WNT pathway on cardiac phenotype in a mouse model of ACM. Methods and Results One copy of the Dsp gene, a known cause of ACM in humans, was deleted specifically in cardiac myocytes (Myh6-Cre-Dsp W/F). Three-month-old wild type and Myh6-Cre-Dsp W/F mice, without a discernible phenotype, were randomized to either untreated or daily administration of a vehicle (placebo), or WNT974, the latter an established inhibitor of the WNT pathway, for three months. The Myh6-Cre-Dsp W/F mice in the untreated or placebo-treated groups exhibited cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, increased myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis upon completion of the study, which was verified by complementary methods. Daily administration of WNT974 prevented and/or attenuated evolving cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, normalized myocardial fibrosis, and reduced apoptosis, compared to the untreated or placebo-treated groups. However, administration of WNT974 increased the number of adipocytes only in the Myh6-Cre-Dsp W/F hearts. There were no differences in the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias and survival rates. Conclusion Suppression of the WNT pathway imparts salutary phenotypic effects by preventing or attenuating age-dependent expression of cardiac dilatation and dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis in a mouse model of ACM. The findings set the stage for large-scale studies and studies in larger animal models to test the beneficial effects of the suppression of the WNT pathway in ACM. One sentence summary Suppression of the WNT signaling pathway has beneficial effects on cardiac dysfunction, myocardial apoptosis, and fibrosis in a mouse model of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirisha M Cheedipudi
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Siyang Fan
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Leila Rouhi
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ali J Marian
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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11
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Rouhi L, Fan S, Cheedipudi SM, Braza-Boïls A, Molina MS, Yao Y, Robertson MJ, Coarfa C, Gimeno JR, Molina P, Gurha P, Zorio E, Marian AJ. The EP300/TP53 pathway, a suppressor of the Hippo and canonical WNT pathways, is activated in human hearts with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy in the absence of overt heart failure. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1466-1478. [PMID: 34132777 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a primary myocardial disease that typically manifests with cardiac arrhythmias, progressive heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD). ACM is mainly caused by mutations in genes encoding desmosome proteins. Desmosomes are cell-cell adhesion structures and hubs for mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. The objective was to identify the dysregulated molecular and biological pathways in human ACM in the absence of overt heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS Transcriptomes in the right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy samples from three independent individuals carrying truncating mutations in the DSP gene and 5 control samples were analyzed by RNA-Seq (discovery group). These cases presented with cardiac arrhythmias and had a normal right ventricular function. The RNA-Seq analysis identified ∼5,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which predicted suppression of the Hippo and canonical WNT pathways, among others.Dysregulated genes and pathways, identified by RNA-Seq, were tested for validation in the right and left ventricular tissues from 5 independent autopsy-confirmed ACM cases with defined mutations (validation group), who were victims of SCD and had no history of heart failure. Protein levels and nuclear localization of the cWNT and Hippo pathway transcriptional regulators were reduced in the right and left ventricular validation samples. In contrast, levels of acetyltransferase EP300, known to suppress the Hippo and canonical WNT pathways, were increased and its bona fide target TP53 was acetylated. RNA-Seq data identified apical junction, reflective of cell-cell attachment, as the most disrupted biological pathway, which was corroborated by disrupted desmosomes and intermediate filament structures. Moreover, the DEGs also predicted dysregulation of over a dozen canonical signal transduction pathways, including the Tec kinase and integrin signaling pathways. The changes were associated with increased apoptosis and fibro-adipogenesis in the ACM hearts. CONCLUSION Altered apical junction structures is associated with activation of the EP300-TP53 and suppression of the Hippo/cWNT pathways in human ACM caused by defined mutations in the absence of an overt heart failure. The findings implicate altered mechanotransduction in the pathogenesis of ACM. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The findings suggest that altered mechanosensing at the cell-cell junction instigates a cascade of molecular events through the activation of acetyltransferase EP300/TP53 and suppression of gene expression through the Hippo/canonical WNT pathways in human arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) caused by defined mutations. These molecular changes occur early and in the absence of overt heart failure. Consequently, one may envision cell type-specific interventions to target the dysregulated transcriptional, mechanosensing, and mechanotransduction pathways to prevent the evolving phenotype in human ACM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Rouhi
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Siyang Fan
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Sirisha M Cheedipudi
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Aitana Braza-Boïls
- Unidad de Cardiopatías Familiares, Muerte Súbita y Mecanismos de Enfermedad (CaFaMuSMe)., Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Sabater Molina
- Cardiogenetic Laboratory, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria. Murcia. Spain
| | - Yan Yao
- Fuwai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | | | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Cell Biology. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Juan R Gimeno
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad CSUR Cardiopatias Familiares, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca. Murcia
| | - Pilar Molina
- Unidad de Cardiopatías Familiares, Muerte Súbita y Mecanismos de Enfermedad (CaFaMuSMe)., Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de Valencia, and Histology Unit at the Universitat de València, Spain
| | - Priyatansh Gurha
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Texas, 77030
| | - Esther Zorio
- Unidad de Cardiopatías Familiares, Muerte Súbita y Mecanismos de Enfermedad (CaFaMuSMe)., Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Cardiopatías Familiares, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A J Marian
- Center for Cardiovascular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Texas, 77030
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12
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Beffagna G, Sommariva E, Bellin M. Mechanotransduction and Adrenergic Stimulation in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: An Overview of in vitro and in vivo Models. Front Physiol 2020; 11:568535. [PMID: 33281612 PMCID: PMC7689294 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.568535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (AC) is a rare inherited heart disease, manifesting with progressive myocardium degeneration and dysfunction, and life-threatening arrhythmic events that lead to sudden cardiac death. Despite genetic determinants, most of AC patients admitted to hospital are athletes or very physically active people, implying the existence of other disease-causing factors. It is recognized that AC phenotypes are enhanced and triggered by strenuous physical activity, while excessive mechanical stretch and load, and repetitive adrenergic stimulation are mechanisms influencing disease penetrance. Different approaches have been undertaken to recapitulate and study both mechanotransduction and adrenergic signaling in AC, including the use of in vitro cellular and tissue models, and the development of in vivo models (particularly rodents but more recently also zebrafish). However, it remains challenging to reproduce mechanical load stimuli and physical activity in laboratory experimental settings. Thus, more work to drive the innovation of advanced AC models is needed to recapitulate these subtle physiological influences. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in this field both in clinical and laboratory-based modeling scenarios. Specific attention will be focused on highlighting gaps in the knowledge and how they may be resolved by utilizing novel research methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Bellin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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13
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The Role of MicroRNAs in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Biomarkers or Innocent Bystanders of Disease Progression? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176434. [PMID: 32899376 PMCID: PMC7504260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by a progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the working myocardium and by life-threatening arrhythmias and risk of sudden cardiac death. Pathogenic variants are identified in nearly 50% of affected patients mostly in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins. AC incomplete penetrance and phenotypic variability advocate that other factors than genetics may modulate the disease, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs with a primary role in gene expression regulation and network of cellular processes. The implication of miRNAs in AC pathogenesis and their role as biomarkers for early disease detection or differential diagnosis has been the objective of multiple studies employing diverse designs and methodologies to detect miRNAs and measure their expression levels. Here we summarize experiments, evidence, and flaws of the different studies and hitherto knowledge of the implication of miRNAs in AC pathogenesis and diagnosis.
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14
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Established and Emerging Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Multifaceted Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176320. [PMID: 32878278 PMCID: PMC7503882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable myocardial disease that manifests with cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure in the advanced stages. The pathological hallmark of ACM is a gradual replacement of the myocardium by fibroadiposis, which typically starts from the epicardium. Molecular genetic studies have identified causal mutations predominantly in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins; however, non-desmosomal causal mutations have also been described, including genes coding for nuclear proteins, cytoskeleton componentsand proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. Despite the poor prognosis, currently available treatments can only partially control symptoms and to date there is no effective therapy for ACM. Inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activation of the Hippo and the TGF-β pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ACM. Yet, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and the cell source of fibroadiposis remains incomplete. Elucidation of the pathogenesis of the disease could facilitate targeted approaches for treatment. In this manuscript we will provide a comprehensive review of the proposed molecular and cellular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ACM, including the emerging evidence on abnormal calcium homeostasis and inflammatory/autoimmune response. Moreover, we will propose novel hypothesis about the role of epicardial cells and paracrine factors in the development of the phenotype. Finally, we will discuss potential innovative therapeutic approaches based on the growing knowledge in the field.
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15
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Gao S, Chen SN, Di Nardo C, Lombardi R. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Skeletal Muscle Dystrophies: Shared Histopathological Features and Pathogenic Mechanisms. Front Physiol 2020; 11:834. [PMID: 32848821 PMCID: PMC7406798 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable cardiac disease characterized by fibrotic or fibrofatty myocardial replacement, associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Originally described as a disease of the right ventricle, ACM is currently recognized as a biventricular entity, due to the increasing numbers of reports of predominant left ventricular or biventricular involvement. Research over the last 20 years has significantly advanced our knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of ACM. Several etiopathogenetic theories have been proposed; among them, the most attractive one is the dystrophic theory, based on the observation of similar histopathological features between ACM and skeletal muscle dystrophies (SMDs), such as progressive muscular degeneration, inflammation, and tissue replacement by fatty and fibrous tissue. This review will describe the pathophysiological and molecular similarities shared by ACM with SMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Gao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Carlo Di Nardo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lombardi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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16
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Maione AS, Pilato CA, Casella M, Gasperetti A, Stadiotti I, Pompilio G, Sommariva E. Fibrosis in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: The Phantom Thread in the Fibro-Adipose Tissue. Front Physiol 2020; 11:279. [PMID: 32317983 PMCID: PMC7147329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart disorder, predisposing to malignant ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young and athletic patients. Pathological features include a progressive loss of myocardium with fibrous or fibro-fatty substitution. During the last few decades, different clinical aspects of ACM have been well investigated but still little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie ACM pathogenesis, leading to these phenotypes. In about 50% of ACM patients, a genetic mutation, predominantly in genes that encode for desmosomal proteins, has been identified. However, the mutation-associated mechanisms, causing the observed cardiac phenotype are not always clear. Until now, the attention has been principally focused on the study of molecular mechanisms that lead to a prominent myocardium adipose substitution, an uncommon marker for a cardiac disease, thus often recognized as hallmark of ACM. Nonetheless, based on Task Force Criteria for the diagnosis of ACM, cardiomyocytes death associated with fibrous replacement of the ventricular free wall must be considered the main tissue feature in ACM patients. For this reason, it urges to investigate ACM cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we give an overview on the cellular effectors, possible triggers, and molecular mechanisms that could be responsible for the ventricular fibrotic remodeling in ACM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Serena Maione
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Assunta Pilato
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Casella
- Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Gasperetti
- Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- University Heart Center, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Stadiotti
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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