1
|
Zheng H, Wu D, Chen X, He W, Hua J, Li Q, Ji Y. Endothelial downregulation of nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1 promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in sugen hypoxia model of pulmonary hypertension. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24963. [PMID: 38318069 PMCID: PMC10838804 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24963] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized with vascular remodeling, which is intiated by vascular endothelial dysfunction. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification mediates gene expression in many ways including mediating RNA degradation, splicing, nuclear export et al. m6A modification have been found to be associated with the development of PH. However, the role of m6A regulators in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) dysfunction of PH is still under research. Methods The expression levels of m6A regulators in PAECs were analyzed with the single-cell sequencing Data(scRNA). Next, the target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of m6A regulators in PAECs were functionally annotated. The analysis of cellular interactions included the examination of receptor-ligand pairs regulated by m6A regulators. Pseudo-time trajectory analyses and a ceRNA network involving lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were conducted in PAECs. Furthermore, microarray data (GSE180169) for Sugen Hypoxia PH (SuHx PH) mouse models was screened for DEGs and m6A regulators in PAECs. Moreover, the expression of YTHDC1 in the lung samples of SuHx PH models was determined using immunofluorescence. In vitro, the mRNA expression of YTHDC1 in HPAECs under hypoxia conditions was detected. The effect of YTHDC1 recombinant protein on HPAEC proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). Results Dysregulation of m6A regulators was observed in mouse PAECs. The m6A reader of YTHDC1 was decreased in PAECs in scRNA data and RNAseq data of isolated PAECs of SuHx PH models. Downregulation of YTHDC1 was caused by hypoxia in PAECs in vitro and similar results was observed in PAECs of SuHx PH mouse models. Next, YTHDC1 recombinant protein was found to inhibit HPAECs proliferation. The DEGs targeted by YTHDC1 were enriched in angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, fluid shear stress, and stem cell maintenance. Analysis indicates that interactions among endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, mediated by specific YTHDC1 target genes (e.g., PTPRC-MRC1, ITBG2-ICAM1, COL4A1-CD44), contribute to PH development. Also, the YTHDC1 expression were consistent with Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP). What's more, the predicted transcription factors showed that NFKB1, Foxd3 may be involved in the regulation of YTHDC1. Lastly, our data suggest that YTHDC1 may be involved in regulating PAECs dysfunction through lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA network. Conclusion For the first time, we analyzed changes in the expression and biological functions of m6A regulators in SuHx PH mouse models. We causatively linked YTHDC1 to PAECs dysfunction, providing novel insight into and opportunities to diagnose and treat PH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiangyu Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No.87, Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenjuan He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No.87, Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jing Hua
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No.87, Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No.87, Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - YingQun Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, No.87, Dingjiaqiao, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang Y, Song S, Liu J, Zhang L, Guo X, Lu J, Li L, Yang C, Fu Q, Zeng B. Epigenetic regulation of programmed cell death in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206452. [PMID: 37753070 PMCID: PMC10518698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe progressive disease that may cause early right ventricular failure and eventual cardiac failure. The pathogenesis of PAH involves endothelial dysfunction, aberrant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and vascular fibrosis. Hypoxia has been shown to induce elevated secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to the development of hypoxic PAH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxic PAH remain incompletely understood. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a natural cell death and regulated by certain genes. Emerging evidence suggests that apoptotic resistance contributes to the development of PAH. Moreover, several novel types of PCD, such as autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, have been reported to be involved in the development of PAH. Additionally, multiple diverse epigenetic mechanisms including RNA methylation, DNA methylation, histone modification, and the non-coding RNA molecule-mediated processes have been strongly linked to the development of PAH. These epigenetic modifications affect the expression of genes, which produce important changes in cellular biological processes, including PCD. Consequently, a better understanding of the PCD processes and epigenetic modification involved in PAH will provide novel, specific therapeutic strategies for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we aim to discuss recent advances in epigenetic mechanisms and elucidate the role of epigenetic modifications in regulating PCD in hypoxia-induced PAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shasha Song
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Baoxing Biological Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Jiayao Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lie Li
- Shenzhen Reyson Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
- Nanjing Evertop Electronics Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Innovation & Application, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Wu J, Guan S, Xue T, Wei X, Cao D, Kong P, Zhang X. PIF1 Promotes Autophagy to Inhibit Chronic Hypoxia Induced Apoptosis of Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:1319-1332. [PMID: 37396201 PMCID: PMC10312211 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s406453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome worldwide. Pulmonary vascular alterations associated with PAH have multifactorial causes, in which endothelial cells play an important role. Autophagy is closely related to endothelial cell injury and the development of PAH. PIF1 is a multifunctional helicase crucial for cell survival. The present study investigated the effect of PIF1 on autophagy and apoptosis in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) under chronic hypoxia stress. Methods Chronic hypoxia Gene expression profiling chip-assays identified the PIF1 gene as differentially expressed, which was verified by RT-qPCR analysis. Electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were used to analyze autophagy and the expression of LC3 and P62. Apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results Our study found that chronic hypoxia induces autophagy in HPAECs, and apoptosis was exacerbated by inhibiting autophagy. Levels of the DNA helicase PIF1 were increased in HPAECs after chronic hypoxia. PIF1 knockdown inhibited autophagy and promoted the apoptosis of HPAECs under chronic hypoxia stress. Conclusion Based on these findings, we conclude that PIF1 inhibits the apoptosis of HPAECs by accelerating the autophagy pathway. Therefore, PIF1 plays a crucial role in HPAEC dysfunction in chronic hypoxia-induced PAH and may be a potential target for the treatment of PAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Zhao
- Department of the First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuai Guan
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The First People’s Hospital of Datong, Datong, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Xue
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Wei
- Department of the First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dawei Cao
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengzhou Kong
- Department of Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinri Zhang
- Department of NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Shanxi Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng H, Hua J, Li H, He W, Chen X, Ji Y, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis of the expression of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation regulators in pulmonary artery hypertension. Front Genet 2022; 13:974740. [PMID: 36171892 PMCID: PMC9510777 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. The development of PAH involves N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. However, the functional role of m6A regulators in PAH and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown so far. Methods: Microarray data (GSE149713) for monocrotaline induced PAH (MCT-PAH) rat models were downloaded and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and m6A regulators. Next, we screened for differentially expressed m6A regulators in endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), fibroblasts, interstitial macrophages, NK cells, B cells, T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) using scRNA sequencing data. The target DEGs of m6A regulators in ECs, SMCs, fibroblasts, and Tregs were functionally annotated using the Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In addition, the cellular interaction analysis was performed to reveal the receptor—ligand pairs regulated by m6A regulators. Pseudo-time trajectory analyses were performed and a ceRNA network of lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs was constructed in SMCs. Furthermore, the RNA transcriptome sequencing data for the SMCs isolated from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients (GSE144274) were validated for differentially expressed m6A regulators. Moreover, the HNRNPA2B1 levels in the lung samples from PAH patients and MCT-PAH were determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: The m6A regulators were observed to be dysregulated in PAH. HNRNPA2B1expression level was increased in the PASMCs of scRNAs and IPAH patients. The target DEGs of HNRNPA2B1 were enriched in the regulation of muscle cell differentiation and vasculature development in PASMCs. The HNRNPA2B1 expression levels determined were consistent with the proliferation-related and collagen synthesis-related gene COL4A1. Moreover, the predicted transcription factors (TFs) foxd2/3 and NFκB could be involved in the regulation of HNRNPA2B1. HNRNPA2B1 might be regulating SMCs proliferation and phenotypic transition via rno-miR-330–3p/TGFβR3 and rno-miR-125a-3p/slc39a1. In addition, HNRNPA2B1 was observed to be highly expressed in the lung samples from MCT-PAH rat models and patients with PAH. Conclusion: In summary, the present study identified certain key functional m6A regulators that are involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling. The investigation of m6A patterns might be promising and provide biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of PAH in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yingqun Ji
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
| | - Qiang Li
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zaaroor Levy M, Rabinowicz N, Yamila Kohon M, Shalom A, Berl A, Hornik-Lurie T, Drucker L, Tartakover Matalon S, Levy Y. MiRNAs in Systemic Sclerosis Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Markers and Effectors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030629. [PMID: 35327430 PMCID: PMC8945806 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Early detection may improve patient outcomes. Methods: We searched for circulating miRNAs that would constitute biomarkers in SSc patients with PAH (SSc-PAH). We compared miRNA levels and laboratory parameters while evaluating miRNA levels in white blood cells (WBCs) and myofibroblasts. Results: Our study found: 1) miR-26 and miR-let-7d levels were significantly lower in SSc-PAH (n = 12) versus SSc without PAH (SSc-noPAH) patients (n = 25); 2) a positive correlation between miR-26 and miR-let-7d and complement-C3; 3) GO-annotations of genes that are miR-26/miR-let-7d targets and that are expressed in myofibroblast cells, suggesting that these miRNAs regulate the TGF-β-pathway; 4) reduced levels of both miRNAs accompanied fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblasts, while macitentan (endothelin receptor-antagonist) increased the levels. WBCs of SSc-noPAH and SSc-PAH patients contained equal amounts of miR-26/miR-let-7d. During the study, an echocardiograph that predicted PAH development, showed increased pulmonary artery pressure in three SSc-noPAH patients. At study initiation, those patients and an additional SSc-noPAH patient, who eventually developed PAH, had miR-let-7d/miR-26 levels similar to those of SSc-PAH patients. This implies that reduced miR-let-7d/miR-26 levels might be an early indication of PAH. Conclusions: miR-26 and miR-let-7d may be serological markers for SSc-PAH. The results of our study suggest their involvement in myofibroblast differentiation and complement pathway activation, both of which are active in PAH development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mor Zaaroor Levy
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Noa Rabinowicz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Maia Yamila Kohon
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Avshalom Shalom
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Ariel Berl
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | | | - Liat Drucker
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Oncogenetic Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Shelly Tartakover Matalon
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
- Correspondence: (S.T.M.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +972-9-74721992 (S.T.M.)
| | - Yair Levy
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.Z.L.); (N.R.); (M.Y.K.); (A.S.); (A.B.); (L.D.)
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
- Correspondence: (S.T.M.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +972-9-74721992 (S.T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|