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Ciszewski WM, Woźniak LA, Sobierajska K. Diverse roles of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins in EndMT stimulation through the TGF-β-MRTF axis inhibited by aspirin. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:296. [PMID: 38807115 PMCID: PMC11134719 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes severe COVID-19 in one-fifth of patients. In addition to high mortality, infection may induce respiratory failure and cardiovascular complications associated with inflammation. Acute or prolonged inflammation results in organ fibrosis, the cause of which might be endothelial disorders arising during the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). METHODS HUVECs and HMEC-1 cells were stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 S (Spike) and N (Nucleocapsid) proteins, and EndMT induction was evaluated by studying specific protein markers via Western blotting. Wound healing and tube formation assays were employed to assess the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate changes in cell behaviour. MRTF nuclear translocation, ROS generation, TLR4 inhibitors, TGF-β-neutralizing antibodies, and inhibitors of the TGF-β-dependent pathway were used to investigate the role of the TGF-β-MRTF signalling axis in SARS-CoV-2-dependent EndMT stimulation. RESULTS Both viral proteins stimulate myofibroblast trans-differentiation. However, the N protein is more effective at EndMT induction. The TGF-β-MRTF pathway plays a critical role in this process. The N protein preferentially favours action through TGF-β2, whose secretion is induced through TLR4-ROS action. TGF-β2 stimulates MRTF-A and MRTF-B nuclear translocation and strongly regulates EndMT. In contrast, the Spike protein stimulates TGF-β1 secretion as a result of ACE2 downregulation. TGF-β1 induces only MRTF-B, which, in turn, weakly regulates EndMT. Furthermore, aspirin, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, might prevent and reverse SARS-CoV-2-dependent EndMT induction through TGF-β-MRTF pathway deregulation. CONCLUSION The reported study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces EndMT. Moreover, it was demonstrated for the first time at the molecular level that the intensity of the EndMT triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may vary and depend on the viral protein involved. The N protein acts through TLR4-ROS-TGF-β2-MRTF-A/B, whereas the S protein acts through ACE2-TGF-β1-MRTF-B. Furthermore, we identified aspirin as a potential anti-fibrotic drug for treating patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech M Ciszewski
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka Str. 6/8, Lodz, 92- 215, Poland
| | - Lucyna A Woźniak
- Department of Structural Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego Str. 7/9, Lodz, 90-752, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sobierajska
- Department of Molecular Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka Str. 6/8, Lodz, 92- 215, Poland.
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Mir KB, Chakraborty S, Amin T, Kumar A, Rouf War A, Nalli Y, Kumar R, Dinesh Kumar L, Ali A, Goswami A. Canonical DDR activation by EMT inducing agent 5-Fluorouracil is modulated by a cannabinoid based combinatorial approach via inducing autophagy and suppression of vimentin expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116126. [PMID: 38490521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Anastasis cascade including induction of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), DNA repair, and stimulation of pro-survival mediators collectively exaggerate therapy resistance in cancer prognosis. The extensive implications of DNA-damaging agents are clinically proven futile for the rapid development of disease recurrence during treatment regime. Herein we report a glycosidic derivative of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-9-OG) abrogates sub-toxic doses of 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) induced EMT in colon cancer cells nullifying DNA repairing mechanism. Our in vitro and in vivo data strongly proclaims that THC-9-OG could not only abrogate 5FU mediated background EMT activation through stalling matrix degradation as well as murine 4T1 lung metastasis but also vigorously diminished Rad-51 repairing mediator along with stimulation of γ-H2AX foci formation. The combinatorial treatment (5FU + THC-9-OG) in Apc knockout colorectal carcinoma model conferred remission of the crypt progenitor phenotype which was prominently identified in 5FU treatment. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that 5FU plus THC-9-OG significantly attenuated major EMT inducer Vimentin via extensive ROS generation along with autophagy induction via LC3B I-II conversion and p62 degradation in a p-ATM dependent manner. Additionally, Cannabinoid receptor CB1 was responsible for abrogation of Vimentin since we found increase in the expression of γH2AX and decrease in vimentin expression in CB1 agonist (ACEA) plus 5FU treated cells. Nutshell, our results unveil a new direction of Cannabinoid based combinatorial approach to control background EMT along with robust enhancing of DNA damage potential of sub-toxic concentration of 5FU resulting immense inhibition of distant metastasis coupled with triggering cell death in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Bashir Mir
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Souneek Chakraborty
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Childern Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Tanzeeba Amin
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, India; Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Abdul Rouf War
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Yedukondalu Nalli
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra 182320, India
| | - Lekha Dinesh Kumar
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Asif Ali
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India; Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India; Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anindya Goswami
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India; Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India.
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Kim R, Kim M, Jeong S, Kim S, Moon H, Kim H, Lee MY, Kim J, Kim HS, Choi M, Shin K, Song BW, Chang W. Melatonin alleviates myocardial dysfunction through inhibition of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via the NF-κB pathway. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12958. [PMID: 38747060 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12958] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process of cellular transdifferentiation by which endothelial cells (ECs) lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to cardiovascular remodeling and complications in the adult cardiovascular diseases environment. Melatonin is involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including aging, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This molecule is an effective therapeutic candidate for preventing oxidative stress, regulating endothelial function, and maintaining the EndMT balance to provide cardiovascular protection. Although recent studies have documented improved cardiac function by melatonin, the mechanism of action of melatonin on EndMT remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of melatonin on induced EndMT by transforming growth factor-β2/interleukin-1β in both in vivo and in vitro models. The results revealed that melatonin reduced the migratory ability and reactive oxygen species levels of the cells and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. Our findings indicate that melatonin prevents endothelial dysfunction and inhibits EndMT by activating related pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B and Smad. We also demonstrated that this molecule plays a crucial role in restoring cardiac function by regulating the EndMT process in the ischemic myocardial condition, both in vessel organoids and myocardial infarction (MI) animal models. In conclusion, melatonin is a promising agent that attenuates EC dysfunction and ameliorates cardiac damage compromising the EndMT process after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Seongtae Jeong
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hanbyeol Moon
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hojin Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Kim
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Dental and Life Science Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kunyoo Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Wook Song
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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Nam U, Kim J, Yi HG, Jeon JS. Investigation of the Dysfunction Caused by High Glucose, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Interleukin-1 Beta and the Effects of Therapeutic Agents on the Microphysiological Artery Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302682. [PMID: 38575148 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has substantial global implications and contributes to vascular inflammation and the onset of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, translating the findings from animal models to humans has inherent limitations, necessitating a novel platform. Therefore, herein, an arterial model is established using a microphysiological system. This model successfully replicates the stratified characteristics of human arteries by integrating collagen, endothelial cells (ECs), and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Perfusion via a peristaltic pump shows dynamic characteristics distinct from those of static culture models. High glucose, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and interleukin-1 beta are employed to stimulate diabetic conditions, resulting in notable cellular changes and different levels of cytokines and nitric oxide. Additionally, the interactions between the disease models and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are examined. Finally, the potential therapeutic effects of metformin, atorvastatin, and diphenyleneiodonium are investigated. Metformin and diphenyleneiodonium mitigate high-glucose- and AGE-associated pathological changes, whereas atorvastatin affects only the morphology of ECs. Altogether, the arterial model represents a pivotal advancement, offering a robust and insightful platform for investigating cardiovascular diseases and their corresponding drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ungsig Nam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Daejeon, 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesang Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Gyeong Yi
- Department of Convergence Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in IT-Bio Convergence System, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Elnagdy M, Wang Y, Rodriguez W, Zhang J, Bauer P, Wilkey DW, Merchant M, Pan J, Farooqui Z, Cannon R, Rai S, Maldonado C, Barve S, McClain CJ, Gobejishvili L. Increased expression of phosphodiesterase 4 in activated hepatic stellate cells promotes cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration. J Pathol 2023; 261:361-371. [PMID: 37735782 PMCID: PMC10653049 DOI: 10.1002/path.6194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into migratory myofibroblasts is a key process in liver fibrogenesis. Cell migration requires an active remodeling of the cytoskeleton, which is a tightly regulated process coordinated by Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and the Rho family of small GTPases. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) promotes assembly of focal adhesions and actin stress fibers by regulating cytoskeleton organization. GEF exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1) has been implicated in modulating TGFβ1 and Rho signaling; however, its role in HSC migration has never been examined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzymes in regulating EPAC1 signaling, HSC migration, and fibrogenesis. We show that PDE4 protein expression is increased in activated HSCs expressing alpha smooth muscle actin and active myosin light chain (MLC) in fibrotic tissues of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis livers and mouse livers exposed to carbon tetrachloride. In human livers, TGFβ1 levels were highly correlated with PDE4 expression. TGFβ1 treatment of LX2 HSCs decreased levels of cAMP and EPAC1 and increased PDE4D expression. PDE4 specific inhibitor, rolipram, and an EPAC-specific agonist decreased TGFβ1-mediated cell migration in vitro. In vivo, targeted delivery of rolipram to the liver prevented fibrogenesis and collagen deposition and decreased the expression of several fibrosis-related genes, and HSC activation. Proteomic analysis of mouse liver tissues identified the regulation of actin cytoskeleton by the kinase effectors of Rho GTPases as a major pathway impacted by rolipram. Western blot analyses confirmed that PDE4 inhibition decreased active MLC and endothelin 1 levels, key proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and contractility. The current study, for the first time, demonstrates that PDE4 enzymes are expressed in hepatic myofibroblasts and promote cytoskeleton remodeling and HSC migration. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elnagdy
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Yali Wang
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Walter Rodriguez
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - JingWen Zhang
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Philip Bauer
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- EndoProtech, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Daniel W. Wilkey
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michael Merchant
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jianmin Pan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Zainab Farooqui
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Robert Cannon
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shesh Rai
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Claudio Maldonado
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- EndoProtech, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shirish Barve
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Craig J. McClain
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Leila Gobejishvili
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Aizarna-Lopetegui U, García-Astrain C, Renero-Lecuna C, González-Callejo P, Villaluenga I, Del Pozo MA, Sánchez-Álvarez M, Henriksen-Lacey M, Jimenez de Aberasturi D. Remodeling arteries: studying the mechanical properties of 3D-bioprinted hybrid photoresponsive materials. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9431-9442. [PMID: 37655486 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01480k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
3D-printed cell models are currently in the spotlight of medical research. Whilst significant advances have been made, there are still aspects that require attention to achieve more realistic models which faithfully represent the in vivo environment. In this work we describe the production of an artery model with cyclic expansive properties, capable of mimicking the different physical forces and stress factors that cells experience in physiological conditions. The artery wall components are reproduced using 3D printing of thermoresponsive polymers with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) representing the outer tunica adventitia, smooth muscle cells embedded in extracellular matrix representing the tunica media, and finally a monolayer of endothelial cells as the tunica intima. Cyclic expansion can be induced thanks to the inclusion of photo-responsive plasmonic NPs embedded within the thermoresponsive ink composition, resulting in changes in the thermoresponsive polymer hydration state and hence volume, in a stimulated on-off manner. By changing the thermoresponsive polymer composition, the transition temperature and pulsatility can be efficiently tuned. We show the direct effect of cyclic expansion and contraction on the overlying cell layers by analyzing transcriptional changes in mechanoresponsive mesenchymal genes associated with such microenvironmental physical cues. The technique described herein involving stimuli-responsive 3D printed tissue constructs, also described as four- dimensional (4D) printing, offers a novel approach for the production of dynamic biomodels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uxue Aizarna-Lopetegui
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of the Basque Country, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Clara García-Astrain
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN, ISCIII), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Carlos Renero-Lecuna
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN, ISCIII), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Patricia González-Callejo
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Irune Villaluenga
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Miguel A Del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolar Biology Laboratory, Novel Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolar Biology Laboratory, Novel Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Metabolic and Immunity Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Malou Henriksen-Lacey
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN, ISCIII), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Dorleta Jimenez de Aberasturi
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Miramon Pasealekua, 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN, ISCIII), 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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Feng Y, Luo S, Fan D, Guo X, Ma S. The role of vascular endothelial cells in tumor metastasis. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152070. [PMID: 37348328 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) are an integral component of the inner lining of blood vessels, and their functions are essential for the proper functioning of the vascular system. The tight junctions formed by VECs act as a significant barrier to the intravasation and extravasation of tumor cells (TCs). In addition to that, the proliferation, activation, and migration of VECs play a vital role in the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as tumor angiogenesis, which is closely related to the malignant progression of tumors. However, during tumor progression, VECs undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which further promotes tumor progression. Furthermore, VECs act as the first line of defense against effector immune cells and help prevent immune cells from infiltrating into tumor tissues. VECs also secrete various cytokines that can contribute to regulating the stemness of tumor stem cells. Thus, it has been increasingly recognized that dysfunction of VECs is one of the key driving forces behind tumor metastasis, and therapeutic strategies targeting VECs have the potential to be an effective means of antitumor therapy. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the role and mechanisms of VECs in regulating tumor progression and metastasis, providing insights into the possibilities for the development of novel antitumor therapies that target VECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Dandan Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Xingrong Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
| | - Shinan Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
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Watabe T, Takahashi K, Pietras K, Yoshimatsu Y. Roles of TGF-β signals in tumor microenvironment via regulation of the formation and plasticity of vascular system. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:130-138. [PMID: 37068553 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells evolve in tumor microenvironment composed of multiple cell types. Among these, endothelial cells (ECs) are the major players in tumor angiogenesis, which is a driver of tumor progression and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that ECs also contribute to tumor progression and metastasis as they modify their phenotypes to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through a process known as endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This plasticity of ECs is mediated by various cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and modulated by other stimuli depending on the cellular contexts. Recent lines of evidence have shown that EndoMT is involved in various steps of tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, intravasation and extravasation of cancer cells, formation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and cancer therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT, highlight the roles of EndoMT in tumor progression and metastasis, and underline targeting EndoMT as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Watabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kristian Pietras
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Centre, Medicon Village, Lund University, 223 81 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
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10
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Feng J, Wu Y. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Potential Target of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:231-246. [PMID: 36841924 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00573-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents is becoming more frequent as the proportion of new oncology patients increases worldwide, with prolonged survival after treatment. As one of the most popular chemotherapy drugs, doxorubicin plays a substantial role in the treatment of tumors. Unfortunately, the use of doxorubicin is associated with several adverse effects, particularly severe cardiotoxicity that can be life-threatening, which greatly limits its clinical use. For decades, scientists have tried to explore many cardioprotective agents and therapeutic approaches, but their efficacy remains controversial, and some drugs have even brought about significant adverse effects. The concrete molecular mechanism of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is still to be unraveled, yet endothelial damage is gradually being identified as an important mechanism triggering the development and progression of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a fundamental process regulating morphogenesis in multicellular organisms, is recognized to be associated with endothelial damage repair and acts as an important factor in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and rheumatic immune diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that endothelial-mesenchymal transition may play a non-negligible role in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In this paper, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of EndMT and outlined the molecular mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and the current therapeutic advances. Furthermore, we summarized the basic principles of doxorubicin-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition that lead to endothelial dysfunction and cardiotoxicity, aiming to provide suggestions or new ideas for the prevention and treatment of doxorubicin-induced endothelial and cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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11
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Metastasis prevention: How to catch metastatic seeds. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188867. [PMID: 36842768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable advances in the evolution of anticancer therapies, metastasis still remains the main cause of cancer mortality. Therefore, current strategies for cancer cure should be redirected towards prevention of metastasis. Targeting metastatic pathways represents a promising therapeutic opportunity aimed at obstructing tumor cell dissemination and metastatic colonization. In this review, we focus on preclinical studies and clinical trials over the last five years that showed high efficacy in suppressing metastasis through targeting lymph node dissemination, tumor cell extravasation, reactive oxygen species, pre-metastatic niche, exosome machinery, and dormancy.
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12
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Zhang L, Tang C, Zhang M, Tong X, Xie Y, Yan R, Wang X, Zhang X, Liu D, Li S. Single cell meta-analysis of EndMT and EMT state in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976512. [PMID: 36248845 PMCID: PMC9558222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 prognoses suggests that a proportion of patients develop fibrosis, but there is no evidence to indicate whether patients have progression of mesenchymal transition (MT) in the lungs. The role of MT during the COVID-19 pandemic remains poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled the transcriptomes of cells from the lungs of healthy individuals (n = 45), COVID-19 patients (n = 58), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients (n = 64) human lungs to map the entire MT change. This analysis enabled us to map all high-resolution matrix-producing cells and identify distinct subpopulations of endothelial cells (ECs) and epithelial cells as the primary cellular sources of MT clusters during COVID-19. For the first time, we have identied early and late subgroups of endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using analysis of public databases for single-cell sequencing. We assessed epithelial subgroups by age, smoking status, and gender, and the data suggest that the proportional changes in EMT in COVID-19 are statistically significant. Further enumeration of early and late EMT suggests a correlation between invasive genes and COVID-19. Finally, EndMT is upregulated in COVID-19 patients and enriched for more inflammatory cytokines. Further, by classifying EndMT as early or late stages, we found that early EndMT was positively correlated with entry factors but this was not true for late EndMT. Exploring the MT state of may help to mitigate the fibrosis impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, And Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang,
| | - Chuang Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Airport) Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Oncology Bussiness Department, Novogene Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Airport) Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingying Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Xiangjun Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China (Airport) Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang,
| | - Dan Liu
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, And Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang,
| | - Shasha Li
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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Zhang C, Cui J, Cao L, Tian X, Miao Y, Wang Y, Qiu S, Guo W, Ma L, Xia J, Zhang X. ISGylation of EMD promotes its interaction with PDHA to inhibit aerobic oxidation in lung adenocarcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5078-5094. [PMID: 36071546 PMCID: PMC9549505 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal nuclear structure caused by dysregulation of skeletal proteins is a common phenomenon in tumour cells. However, how skeletal proteins promote tumorigenesis remains uncovered. Here, we revealed the mechanism by which skeletal protein Emerin (EMD) promoted glucose metabolism to induce lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Firstly, we identified that EMD was highly expressed and promoted the malignant phenotypes in LUAD. The high expression of EMD might be due to its low level of ubiquitination. Additionally, the ISGylation at lysine 37 of EMD inhibited lysine 36 ubiquitination and upregulated EMD stability. We further explored that EMD could inhibit aerobic oxidation and stimulate glycolysis. Mechanistically, via its β‐catenin interaction domain, EMD bound with PDHA, stimulated serine 293 and 300 phosphorylation and inhibited PDHA expression, facilitated glycolysis of glucose that should enter the aerobic oxidation pathway, and EMD ISGylation was essential for EMD‐PDHA interaction. In clinical LUAD specimens, EMD was negatively associated with PDHA, while positively associated with EMD ISGylation, tumour stage and diameter. In LUAD with higher glucose level, EMD expression and ISGylation were higher. Collectively, EMD was a stimulator for LUAD by inhibiting aerobic oxidation via interacting with PDHA. Restricting cancer‐promoting role of EMD might be helpful for LUAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Anhui University of Science and Technology School of Medicine, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Jiangtao Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leiqun Cao
- Anhui University of Science and Technology School of Medicine, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoting Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayou Miao
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yikun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyu Qiu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanxin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjing Xia
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Hemin-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Chronic Hemolysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094763. [PMID: 35563154 PMCID: PMC9104708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease is an independent predictor of mortality, yet the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular disease in chronic hemolytic disorders remains incompletely understood and treatment options are limited primarily to supportive care. The release of extracellular hemoglobin has been implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension, and in this study we explored the direct effects of hemin, the oxidized moiety of heme, on the pulmonary artery endothelium. We found that low dose hemin exposure leads to significantly increased endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and cytokine release as markers of endothelial dysfunction. Protein expression changes in our pulmonary artery endothelial cells showed upregulation of mesenchymal markers after hemin treatment in conjunction with a decrease in endothelial markers. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) resulting from hemin exposure was further confirmed by showing upregulation of the transcription factors SNAI1 and SLUG, known to regulate EndoMT. Lastly, given the endothelial dysfunction and phenotypic transition observed, the endothelial cytoskeleton was considered a potential novel target. Inhibiting myosin light chain kinase, to prevent phosphorylation of myosin light chain and cytoskeletal contraction, attenuated hemin-induced endothelial hyper-proliferation, migration, and cytokine release. The findings in this study implicate hemin as a key inducer of endothelial dysfunction through EndoMT, which may play an important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling during the development of pulmonary hypertension in chronic hemolytic states.
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