1
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Brandon KD, Frank WE, Stroka KM. Junctions at the crossroads: the impact of mechanical cues on endothelial cell-cell junction conformations and vascular permeability. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C1073-C1086. [PMID: 39129490 PMCID: PMC11481987 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00605.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells depend on precisely regulating barrier function within the vasculature to maintain physiological stability and facilitate essential substance transport. Endothelial cells achieve this through specialized adherens and tight junction protein complexes, which govern paracellular permeability across vascular beds. Adherens junctions, anchored by vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and associated catenins to the actin cytoskeleton, mediate homophilic adhesion crucial for barrier integrity. In contrast, tight junctions composed of occludin, claudin, and junctional adhesion molecule A interact with Zonula Occludens proteins, reinforcing intercellular connections essential for barrier selectivity. Endothelial cell-cell junctions exhibit dynamic conformations during development, maturation, and remodeling, regulated by local biochemical and mechanical cues. These structural adaptations play pivotal roles in disease contexts such as chronic inflammation, where junctional remodeling contributes to increased vascular permeability observed in conditions from cancer to cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, the brain microvasculature's specialized junctional arrangements pose challenges for therapeutic drug delivery due to their unique molecular compositions and tight organization. This commentary explores the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell-cell junction conformations and their implications for vascular permeability. By highlighting recent advances in quantifying junctional changes and understanding mechanotransduction pathways, we elucidate how physical forces from cellular contacts and hemodynamic flow influence junctional dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken D Brandon
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
| | - William E Frank
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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2
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Williams ZJ, Alvarez-Laviada A, Hoagland D, Jourdan LJ, Poelzing S, Gorelik J, Gourdie RG. Development and characterization of the mode-of-action of inhibitory and agonist peptides targeting the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1B beta-subunit. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 194:32-45. [PMID: 38942073 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.06.008] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia treatment is a clinical challenge necessitating safer and more effective therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the perinexus, an intercalated disc nanodomain enriched in voltage-gated sodium channels including both Nav1.5 and β1 subunits, adjacent to gap junctions. These findings offer insights into action potential conduction in the heart. A 19-amino acid SCN1B (β1/β1B) mimetic peptide, βadp1, disrupts VGSC beta subunit-mediated adhesion in cardiac perinexii, inducing arrhythmogenic changes. We aimed to explore βadp1's mechanism and develop novel SCN1B mimetic peptides affecting β1-mediated adhesion. Using patch clamp assays in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and electric cell substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) in β1-expressing cells, we observed βadp1 maintained inhibitory effects for up to 5 h. A shorter peptide (LQLEED) based on the carboxyl-terminus of βadp1 mimicked this inhibitory effect, while dimeric peptides containing repeated LQLEED sequences paradoxically promoted intercellular adhesion over longer time courses. Moreover, we found a link between these peptides and β1-regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) - a signaling pathway effecting gene transcription including that of VGSC subunits. βadp1 increased RIP continuously over 48 h, while dimeric agonists acutely boosted RIP for up to 6 h. In the presence of DAPT, an RIP inhibitor, βadp1's effects on ECIS-measured intercellular adhesion was reduced, suggesting a relationship between RIP and the peptide's inhibitory action. In conclusion, novel SCN1B (β1/β1B) mimetic peptides are reported with the potential to modulate intercellular VGSC β1-mediated adhesion, potentially through β1 RIP. These findings suggest a path towards the development of anti-arrhythmic drugs targeting the perinexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | | | - Daniel Hoagland
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - L Jane Jourdan
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; School of Medicine, Virgina Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Julia Gorelik
- Department of Myocardial Function, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; School of Medicine, Virgina Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic University, Roanoke, VA, United States.
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3
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Jazwinska DE, Cho Y, Zervantonakis IK. Enhancing PKA-dependent mesothelial barrier integrity reduces ovarian cancer transmesothelial migration via inhibition of contractility. iScience 2024; 27:109950. [PMID: 38812549 PMCID: PMC11134878 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-mesothelial cell interactions are critical for multiple solid tumors to colonize the surface of peritoneal organs. Understanding mechanisms of mesothelial barrier dysfunction that impair its protective function is critical for discovering mesothelial-targeted therapies to combat metastatic spread. Here, we utilized a live cell imaging-based assay to elucidate the dynamics of ovarian cancer spheroid transmesothelial migration and mesothelial-generated mechanical forces. Treatment of mesothelial cells with the adenylyl cyclase agonist forskolin strengthens cell-cell junctions, reduces actomyosin fibers, contractility-driven matrix displacements, and cancer spheroid transmigration in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent mechanism. We also show that inhibition of the cytoskeletal regulator Rho-associated kinase in mesothelial cells phenocopies the anti-metastatic effects of forskolin. Conversely, upregulation of contractility in mesothelial cells disrupts cell-cell junctions and increases the clearance rates of ovarian cancer spheroids. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of mesothelial cell contractility and mesothelial barrier integrity in regulating metastatic dissemination within the peritoneal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota E. Jazwinska
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Youngbin Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Ioannis K. Zervantonakis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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4
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Ilhan M, Hastar N, Kampfrath B, Spierling DN, Jatzlau J, Knaus P. BMP Stimulation Differentially Affects Phosphorylation and Protein Stability of β-Catenin in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4593. [PMID: 38731813 PMCID: PMC11083028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094593] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased expression and nuclear translocation of β-CATENIN is frequently observed in breast cancer, and it correlates with poor prognosis. Current treatment strategies targeting β-CATENIN are not as efficient as desired. Therefore, detailed understanding of β-CATENIN regulation is crucial. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and Wingless/Integrated (WNT) pathway crosstalk is well-studied for many cancer types including colorectal cancer, whereas it is still poorly understood for breast cancer. Analysis of breast cancer patient data revealed that BMP2 and BMP6 were significantly downregulated in tumors. Since mutation frequency in genes enhancing β-CATENIN protein stability is relatively low in breast cancer, we aimed to investigate whether decreased BMP ligand expression could contribute to a high protein level of β-CATENIN in breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that downstream of BMP stimulation, SMAD4 is required to reduce β-CATENIN protein stability through the phosphorylation in MCF7 and T47D cells. Consequently, BMP stimulation reduces β-CATENIN levels and prevents its nuclear translocation and target gene expression in MCF7 cells. Conversely, BMP stimulation has no effect on β-CATENIN phosphorylation or stability in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Likewise, SMAD4 modulation does not alter the response of those cells, indicating that SMAD4 alone is insufficient for BMP-induced β-CATENIN phosphorylation. While our data suggest that considering BMP activity may serve as a prognostic marker for understanding β-CATENIN accumulation risk, further investigation is needed to elucidate the differential responsiveness of breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ilhan
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
- Berlin School of Integrative Oncology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nurcan Hastar
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
- Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Branka Kampfrath
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
| | - Deniz Neslihan Spierling
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
| | - Jerome Jatzlau
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
- Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (M.I.); (N.H.); (B.K.); (D.N.S.)
- Berlin School of Integrative Oncology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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5
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Tytti K, Sanna K, Carla G, Jonatan P, Kaisa R, Sari T. Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel guides maturation and organization of the bilayered mammary epithelium. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6774. [PMID: 38514727 PMCID: PMC10957991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57346-x] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Biophysical cues from the cell microenvironment are detected by mechanosensitive components at the cell surface. Such machineries convert physical information into biochemical signaling cascades within cells, subsequently leading to various cellular responses in a stimulus-dependent manner. At the surface of extracellular environment and cell cytoplasm exist several ion channel families that are activated by mechanical signals to direct intracellular events. One of such channel is formed by transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member, TRPV4 that is known to act as a mechanosensor in wide variaty of tissues and control ion-influx in a spatio-temporal way. Here we report that TRPV4 is prominently expressed in the stem/progenitor cell populations of the mammary epithelium and seems important for the lineage-specific differentiation, consequently affecting mechanical features of the mature mammary epithelium. This was evident by the lack of several markers for mature myoepithelial and luminal epithelial cells in TRPV4-depleted cell lines. Interestingly, TRPV4 expression is controlled in a tension-dependent manner and it also impacts differentation process dependently on the stiffness of the microenvironment. Furthermore, such cells in a 3D compartment were disabled to maintain normal mammosphere structures and displayed abnormal lumen formation, size of the structures and disrupted cellular junctions. Mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel therefore act as critical player in the homeostasis of normal mammary epithelium through sensing the physical environment and guiding accordingly differentiation and structural organization of the bilayered mammary epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kärki Tytti
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Koskimäki Sanna
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Guenther Carla
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pirhonen Jonatan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Rajakylä Kaisa
- School of Social Services and Health Care, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tojkander Sari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Tampere Institute for Advanced Study, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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6
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Suh K, Cho YK, Breinyn IB, Cohen DJ. E-cadherin biomaterials reprogram collective cell migration and cell cycling by forcing homeostatic conditions. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113743. [PMID: 38358889 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113743] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells attach to the world through either cell-extracellular matrix adhesion or cell-cell adhesion, and traditional biomaterials imitate the matrix for integrin-based adhesion. However, materials incorporating cadherin proteins that mimic cell-cell adhesion offer an alternative to program cell behavior and integrate into living tissues. We investigated how cadherin substrates affect collective cell migration and cell cycling in epithelia. Our approach involved biomaterials with matrix proteins on one-half and E-cadherin proteins on the other, forming a "Janus" interface across which we grew a single sheet of cells. Tissue regions over the matrix side exhibited normal collective dynamics, but an abrupt behavior shift occurred across the Janus boundary onto the E-cadherin side, where cells attached to the substrate via E-cadherin adhesions, resulting in stalled migration and slowing of the cell cycle. E-cadherin surfaces disrupted long-range mechanical coordination and nearly doubled the length of the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, linked to the lack of integrin focal adhesions on the E-cadherin surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Suh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Youn Kyoung Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Isaac B Breinyn
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Daniel J Cohen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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7
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Mahlandt EK, Palacios Martínez S, Arts JJG, Tol S, van Buul JD, Goedhart J. Opto-RhoGEFs, an optimized optogenetic toolbox to reversibly control Rho GTPase activity on a global to subcellular scale, enabling precise control over vascular endothelial barrier strength. eLife 2023; 12:RP84364. [PMID: 37449837 PMCID: PMC10393062 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84364] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The inner layer of blood vessels consists of endothelial cells, which form the physical barrier between blood and tissue. This vascular barrier is tightly regulated and is defined by cell-cell contacts through adherens and tight junctions. To investigate the signaling that regulates vascular barrier strength, we focused on Rho GTPases, regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and known to control junction integrity. To manipulate Rho GTPase signaling in a temporal and spatial manner we applied optogenetics. Guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domains from ITSN1, TIAM1, and p63RhoGEF, activating Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, respectively, were integrated into the optogenetic recruitment tool improved light-induced dimer (iLID). This tool allows for Rho GTPase activation at the subcellular level in a reversible and non-invasive manner by recruiting a GEF to a specific area at the plasma membrane, The membrane tag of iLID was optimized and a HaloTag was applied to gain more flexibility for multiplex imaging. The resulting optogenetically recruitable RhoGEFs (Opto-RhoGEFs) were tested in an endothelial cell monolayer and demonstrated precise temporal control of vascular barrier strength by a cell-cell overlap-dependent, VE-cadherin-independent, mechanism. Furthermore, Opto-RhoGEFs enabled precise optogenetic control in endothelial cells over morphological features such as cell size, cell roundness, local extension, and cell contraction. In conclusion, we have optimized and applied the optogenetic iLID GEF recruitment tool, that is Opto-RhoGEFs, to study the role of Rho GTPases in the vascular barrier of the endothelium and found that membrane protrusions at the junction region can rapidly increase barrier integrity independent of VE-cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike K Mahlandt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastián Palacios Martínez
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janine J G Arts
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab at Dept. Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Simon Tol
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab at Dept. Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab at Dept. Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joachim Goedhart
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Section of Molecular Cytology, van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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8
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Guo J, Terhorst I, Stammer P, Ibrahim A, Oberhuber A, Eierhoff T. The short-chain fatty acid butyrate exerts a specific effect on VE-cadherin phosphorylation and alters the integrity of aortic endothelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076250. [PMID: 36846596 PMCID: PMC9944439 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate (BUT) largely influence vascular integrity and are closely associated with the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases. However, their impact on vascular endothelial cadherin (VEC), a major vascular adhesion and signaling molecule, is largely unknown. Here, we explored the effect of the SCFA BUT on the phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues of VEC (Y731, Y685, and Y658), which are reported to be critical for VEC regulation and vascular integrity. Moreover, we shed light on the signaling pathway engaged by BUT to affect the phosphorylation of VEC. Thereby, we used phospho-specific antibodies to evaluate the phosphorylation of VEC in response to the SCFA sodium butyrate in human aortic endothelial cells (HAOECs) and performed dextran assays to analyze the permeability of the EC monolayer. The role of c-Src and SCFA receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the induction of VEC phosphorylation was analyzed using inhibitors and antagonists for c-Src family kinases and FFAR2/3, respectively, as well as by RNAi-mediated knockdown. Localization of VEC in response to BUT was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. BUT treatment of HAOEC resulted in the specific phosphorylation of Y731 at VEC with minor effects on Y685 and Y658. Thereby, BUT engages FFAR3, FFAR2, and c-Src kinase to induce phosphorylation of VEC. VEC phosphorylation correlated with enhanced endothelial permeability and c-Src-dependent remodeling of junctional VEC. Our data suggest that BUT, an SCFA and gut microbiota-derived metabolite, impacts vascular integrity by targeting VEC phosphorylation with potential impact on the pathophysiology and therapy of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Stammer
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Abdulhakim Ibrahim
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Oberhuber
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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9
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Sri-Ranjan K, Sanchez-Alonso JL, Swiatlowska P, Rothery S, Novak P, Gerlach S, Koeninger D, Hoffmann B, Merkel R, Stevens MM, Sun SX, Gorelik J, Braga VMM. Intrinsic cell rheology drives junction maturation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4832. [PMID: 35977954 PMCID: PMC9385638 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental property of higher eukaryotes that underpins their evolutionary success is stable cell-cell cohesion. Yet, how intrinsic cell rheology and stiffness contributes to junction stabilization and maturation is poorly understood. We demonstrate that localized modulation of cell rheology governs the transition of a slack, undulated cell-cell contact (weak adhesion) to a mature, straight junction (optimal adhesion). Cell pairs confined on different geometries have heterogeneous elasticity maps and control their own intrinsic rheology co-ordinately. More compliant cell pairs grown on circles have slack contacts, while stiffer triangular cell pairs favour straight junctions with flanking contractile thin bundles. Counter-intuitively, straighter cell-cell contacts have reduced receptor density and less dynamic junctional actin, suggesting an unusual adaptive mechano-response to stabilize cell-cell adhesion. Our modelling informs that slack junctions arise from failure of circular cell pairs to increase their own intrinsic stiffness and resist the pressures from the neighbouring cell. The inability to form a straight junction can be reversed by increasing mechanical stress artificially on stiffer substrates. Our data inform on the minimal intrinsic rheology to generate a mature junction and provide a springboard towards understanding elements governing tissue-level mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sri-Ranjan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - J L Sanchez-Alonso
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P Swiatlowska
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Rothery
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P Novak
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - S Gerlach
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-2: Mechanobiology, Julich, Germany
| | - D Koeninger
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-2: Mechanobiology, Julich, Germany
| | - B Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-2: Mechanobiology, Julich, Germany
| | - R Merkel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI-2: Mechanobiology, Julich, Germany
| | - M M Stevens
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S X Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Institute of NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Maryland, USA
| | - J Gorelik
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Vania M M Braga
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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10
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Mo D, Xu S, Rosa JP, Hasan S, Adams W. Dynamic Python-Based Method Provides Quantitative Analysis of Intercellular Junction Organization During S. pneumoniae Infection of the Respiratory Epithelium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:865528. [PMID: 35755841 PMCID: PMC9230243 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.865528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many respiratory pathogens compromise epithelial barrier function during lung infection by disrupting intercellular junctions, such as adherens junctions and tight junctions, that maintain intercellular integrity. This includes Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of pneumonia, which can successfully breach the epithelial barrier and cause severe infections such as septicemia and meningitis. Fluorescence microscopy analysis on intercellular junction protein manipulation by respiratory pathogens has yielded major advances in our understanding of their pathogenesis. Unfortunately, a lack of automated image analysis tools that can tolerate variability in sample-sample staining has limited the accuracy in evaluating intercellular junction organization quantitatively. We have created an open source, automated Python computer script called "Intercellular Junction Organization Quantification" or IJOQ that can handle a high degree of sample-sample staining variability and robustly measure intercellular junction integrity. In silico validation of IJOQ was successful in analyzing computer generated images containing varying degrees of simulated intercellular junction disruption. Accurate IJOQ analysis was further confirmed using images generated from in vitro and in vivo bacterial infection models. When compared in parallel to a previously published, semi-automated script used to measure intercellular junction organization, IJOQ demonstrated superior analysis for all in vitro and in vivo experiments described herein. These data indicate that IJOQ is an unbiased, easy-to-use tool for fluorescence microscopy analysis and will serve as a valuable, automated resource to rapidly quantify intercellular junction disruption under diverse experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devons Mo
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Shuying Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Juan P. Rosa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States,Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, PR, United States
| | - Shakir Hasan
- Institute of Microbiology of the CAS, Prague, Czechia
| | - Walter Adams
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Walter Adams,
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11
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Chesnais F, Hue J, Roy E, Branco M, Stokes R, Pellon A, Le Caillec J, Elbahtety E, Battilocchi M, Danovi D, Veschini L. High content Image Analysis to study phenotypic heterogeneity in endothelial cell monolayers. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:273879. [PMID: 34982151 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are heterogeneous across and within tissues, reflecting distinct, specialised functions. EC heterogeneity has been proposed to underpin EC plasticity independently from vessel microenvironments. However, heterogeneity driven by contact-dependent or short-range cell-cell crosstalk cannot be evaluated with single cell transcriptomic approaches as spatial and contextual information is lost. Nonetheless, quantification of EC heterogeneity and understanding of its molecular drivers is key to developing novel therapeutics for cancer, cardiovascular diseases and for revascularisation in regenerative medicine. Here, we developed an EC profiling tool (ECPT) to examine individual cells within intact monolayers. We used ECPT to characterise different phenotypes in arterial, venous and microvascular EC populations. In line with other studies, we measured heterogeneity in terms of cell cycle, proliferation, and junction organisation. ECPT uncovered a previously under-appreciated single-cell heterogeneity in NOTCH activation. We correlated cell proliferation with different NOTCH activation states at the single cell and population levels. The positional and relational information extracted with our novel approach is key to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning EC heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Chesnais
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jonas Hue
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Errin Roy
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marco Branco
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ruby Stokes
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Aize Pellon
- Centre for host-microbiome interactions, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Juliette Le Caillec
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Eyad Elbahtety
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Matteo Battilocchi
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Davide Danovi
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.,bit.bio, Babraham Research Campus, The Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Veschini
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Erasmus JC, Smolarczyk K, Brezovjakova H, Mohd-Naim NF, Lozano E, Matter K, Braga VMM. Rac1-PAK1 regulation of Rab11 cycling promotes junction destabilization. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212034. [PMID: 33914026 PMCID: PMC8091128 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202002114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1 GTPase is hyperactivated in tumors and contributes to malignancy. Rac1 disruption of junctions requires its effector PAK1, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show that E-cadherin is internalized via micropinocytosis in a PAK1–dependent manner without catenin dissociation and degradation. In addition to internalization, PAK1 regulates E-cadherin transport by fine-tuning Rab small GTPase function. PAK1 phosphorylates a core Rab regulator, RabGDIβ, but not RabGDIα. Phosphorylated RabGDIβ preferentially associates with Rab5 and Rab11, which is predicted to promote Rab retrieval from membranes. Consistent with this hypothesis, Rab11 is activated by Rac1, and inhibition of Rab11 function partially rescues E-cadherin destabilization. Thus, Rac1 activation reduces surface cadherin levels as a net result of higher bulk flow of membrane uptake that counteracts Rab11-dependent E-cadherin delivery to junctions (recycling and/or exocytosis). This unique small GTPase crosstalk has an impact on Rac1 and PAK1 regulation of membrane remodeling during epithelial dedifferentiation, adhesion, and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Erasmus
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kasia Smolarczyk
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Helena Brezovjakova
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Noor F Mohd-Naim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Encarnación Lozano
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Karl Matter
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vania M M Braga
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Lenne PF, Rupprecht JF, Viasnoff V. Cell Junction Mechanics beyond the Bounds of Adhesion and Tension. Dev Cell 2021; 56:202-212. [PMID: 33453154 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell junctions, in particular adherens junctions, are major determinants of tissue mechanics during morphogenesis and homeostasis. In attempts to link junctional mechanics to tissue mechanics, many have utilized explicitly or implicitly equilibrium approaches based on adhesion energy, surface energy, and contractility to determine the mechanical equilibrium at junctions. However, it is increasingly clear that they have significant limitations, such as that it remains challenging to link the dynamics of the molecular components to the resulting physical properties of the junction, to its remodeling ability, and to its adhesion strength. In this perspective, we discuss recent attempts to consider the aspect of energy dissipation at junctions to draw contact points with soft matter physics where energy loss plays a critical role in adhesion theories. We set the grounds for a theoretical framework of the junction mechanics that bridges the dynamics at the molecular scale to the mechanics at the tissue scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Jean-François Rupprecht
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, CPT, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Virgile Viasnoff
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; CNRS Biomechanics of Cell Contacts, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore.
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14
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The MARCH6-SQLE Axis Controls Endothelial Cholesterol Homeostasis and Angiogenic Sprouting. Cell Rep 2020; 32:107944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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15
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Lynn KS, Peterson RJ, Koval M. Ruffles and spikes: Control of tight junction morphology and permeability by claudins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183339. [PMID: 32389670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial barrier function is regulated by a family of transmembrane proteins known as claudins. Functional tight junctions are formed when claudins interact with other transmembrane proteins, cytosolic scaffold proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. The predominant scaffold protein, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), directly binds to most claudin C-terminal domains, crosslinking them to the actin cytoskeleton. When imaged by immunofluorescence microscopy, tight junctions most frequently are linear structures that form between tricellular junctions. However, tight junctions also adapt non-linear architectures exhibiting either a ruffled or spiked morphology, which both are responses to changes in claudin engagement of actin filaments. Other terms for ruffled tight junctions include wavy, tortuous, undulating, serpentine or zig-zag junctions. Ruffling is under the control of hypoxia induced factor (HIF) and integrin-mediated signaling, as well as direct mechanical stimulation. Tight junction ruffling is specifically enhanced by claudin-2, antagonized by claudin-1 and requires claudin binding to ZO-1. Tight junction spikes are sites of active vesicle budding and fusion that appear as perpendicular projections oriented towards the nucleus. Spikes share molecular features with focal adherens junctions and tubulobulbar complexes found in Sertoli cells. Lung epithelial cells under stress form spikes due to an increase in claudin-5 expression that directly disrupts claudin-18/ZO-1 interactions. Together this suggests that claudins are not simply passive cargoes controlled by scaffold proteins. We propose a model where claudins specifically influence tight junction scaffold proteins to control interactions with the cytoskeleton as a mechanism that regulates tight junction assembly and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sabrina Lynn
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Raven J Peterson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Michael Koval
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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