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Pirri D, Tian S, Tardajos-Ayllon B, Irving SE, Donati F, Allen SP, Mammoto T, Vilahur G, Kabir L, Bennett J, Rasool Y, Pericleous C, Mazzei G, McAllan L, Scott WR, Koestler T, Zingg U, Birdsey GM, Miller CL, Schenkel T, Chambers EV, Dunning MJ, Serbanovic-Canic J, Botrè F, Mammoto A, Xu S, Osto E, Han W, Fragiadaki M, Evans PC. EPAS1 Attenuates Atherosclerosis Initiation at Disturbed Flow Sites Through Endothelial Fatty Acid Uptake. Circ Res 2024; 135:822-837. [PMID: 39234692 PMCID: PMC11424061 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324054] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaques form unevenly due to disturbed blood flow, causing localized endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. Obesity exacerbates this process, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. The transcription factor EPAS1 (HIF2A) has regulatory roles in endothelium, but its involvement in atherosclerosis remains unexplored. This study investigates the potential interplay between EPAS1, obesity, and atherosclerosis. METHODS Responses to shear stress were analyzed using cultured porcine aortic EC exposed to flow in vitro coupled with metabolic and molecular analyses and by en face immunostaining of murine aortic EC exposed to disturbed flow in vivo. Obesity and dyslipidemia were induced in mice via exposure to a high-fat diet or through Leptin gene deletion. The role of Epas1 in atherosclerosis was evaluated by inducible endothelial Epas1 deletion, followed by hypercholesterolemia induction (adeno-associated virus-PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9]; high-fat diet). RESULTS En face staining revealed EPAS1 enrichment at sites of disturbed blood flow that are prone to atherosclerosis initiation. Obese mice exhibited substantial reduction in endothelial EPAS1 expression. Sulforaphane, a compound with known atheroprotective effects, restored EPAS1 expression and concurrently reduced plasma triglyceride levels in obese mice. Consistently, triglyceride derivatives (free fatty acids) suppressed EPAS1 in cultured EC by upregulating the negative regulator PHD2. Clinical observations revealed that reduced serum EPAS1 correlated with increased endothelial PHD2 and PHD3 in obese individuals. Functionally, endothelial EPAS1 deletion increased lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic mice, indicating an atheroprotective function. Mechanistic insights revealed that EPAS1 protects arteries by maintaining endothelial proliferation by positively regulating the expression of the fatty acid-handling molecules CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36) and LIPG (endothelial type lipase G) to increase fatty acid beta-oxidation. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial EPAS1 attenuates atherosclerosis at sites of disturbed flow by maintaining EC proliferation via fatty acid uptake and metabolism. This endothelial repair pathway is inhibited in obesity, suggesting a novel triglyceride-PHD2 modulation pathway suppressing EPAS1 expression. These findings have implications for therapeutic strategies addressing vascular dysfunction in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pirri
- School of Medicine and Population Health, INSIGNEO Institute, and the Bateson Centre (D.P., S.T., S.E.I., J.S.-C.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
- National Heart and Lung Institute (D.P., G.M.B.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Siyu Tian
- School of Medicine and Population Health, INSIGNEO Institute, and the Bateson Centre (D.P., S.T., S.E.I., J.S.-C.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology (S.T., B.T.-A., P.C.E.), William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Blanca Tardajos-Ayllon
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology (S.T., B.T.-A., P.C.E.), William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie E Irving
- School of Medicine and Population Health, INSIGNEO Institute, and the Bateson Centre (D.P., S.T., S.E.I., J.S.-C.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Donati
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy (F.D., F.B.)
| | - Scott P Allen
- School of Medicine and Population Health, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (S.P.A.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tadanori Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (T.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Institut de Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, and CIBERCV (Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain (G.V.)
| | - Lida Kabir
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
| | - Jane Bennett
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
| | - Yasmin Rasool
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine (Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Charis Pericleous
- Department of Surgery, Bariatric Center, Limmattal Hospital, Schlieren, Switzerland (C.P., T.K., U.Z.)
| | - Guianfranco Mazzei
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine (Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam McAllan
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine (Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - William R Scott
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom (L.K., J.B., Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.)
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine (Y.R., G.M., L.M., W.R.S.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Koestler
- Department of Surgery, Bariatric Center, Limmattal Hospital, Schlieren, Switzerland (C.P., T.K., U.Z.)
| | - Urs Zingg
- Department of Surgery, Bariatric Center, Limmattal Hospital, Schlieren, Switzerland (C.P., T.K., U.Z.)
| | - Graeme M Birdsey
- National Heart and Lung Institute (D.P., G.M.B.), Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Clint L Miller
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (C.L.M.)
| | - Torsten Schenkel
- Department of Engineering and Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom (T.S.)
| | - Emily V Chambers
- Sheffield Bioinformatics Core, School of Medicine and Population Health (E.V.C., M.J.D.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Dunning
- Sheffield Bioinformatics Core, School of Medicine and Population Health (E.V.C., M.J.D.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jovana Serbanovic-Canic
- School of Medicine and Population Health, INSIGNEO Institute, and the Bateson Centre (D.P., S.T., S.E.I., J.S.-C.), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Botrè
- Laboratorio Antidoping, Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana, Rome, Italy (F.D., F.B.)
| | - Akiko Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy (A.M.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China (S.X.)
| | - Elena Osto
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry University Hospital and University of Zurich, Switzerland (E.O.)
- Division of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria (E.O.)
| | - Weiping Han
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore (W.H.)
| | - Maria Fragiadaki
- Centre for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (M.F.), William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul C Evans
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology (S.T., B.T.-A., P.C.E.), William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
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Kitching AR, Ebeling PR. Challenges for trainee physician-scientists during their PhD candidature: a cross-sectional study. Intern Med J 2024; 54:1190-1196. [PMID: 38682385 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16396] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician-scientists are important drivers of research, in both knowledge acquisition and research translation. In Australia, many newly qualified physicians and advanced physician trainees enrol in PhD studies, with a view to training as physician-scientists. However, data on perceived challenges and ways to support them are limited. METHODS This single-centre study surveyed trainee physician-scientists undertaking PhD studies within the Monash University Department of Medicine in 2020. Following discussions with PhD students and a qualitative written questionnaire, trainee physician-scientists were invited to complete a quantitative survey that aimed to identify current and future career challenges and determine the type of enrichment and support mechanisms they value most and would most likely use. RESULTS From 45 eligible participants, 25 responses were received (76% female). Participants identified multiple substantial challenges (median of 6) during their candidature relating to their project, changes in roles and their personal lives. They also envisaged future challenges post-PhD in establishing themselves as an independent investigator, further changes in their identity and their personal lives. Of potential support mechanisms during their candidature, a mentoring program was the most favoured, with an online discussion forum being the least popular. CONCLUSIONS Trainee physician-scientists report multiple challenges during their PhD candidature and envisage significant challenges in establishing their research independence after PhD completion. They valued several potential support mechanisms, particularly a mentoring program. Australian universities and their associated academic health services should consider establishing programs to support trainee physician-scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Richard Kitching
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Peter Robert Ebeling
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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Wakasugi R, Suzuki K, Kaneko-Kawano T. Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Vascular Endothelial Permeability. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6415. [PMID: 38928121 PMCID: PMC11203514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126415] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells form a monolayer in the vascular lumen and act as a selective barrier to control the permeability between blood and tissues. To maintain homeostasis, the endothelial barrier function must be strictly integrated. During acute inflammation, vascular permeability temporarily increases, allowing intravascular fluid, cells, and other components to permeate tissues. Moreover, it has been suggested that the dysregulation of endothelial cell permeability may cause several diseases, including edema, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Here, we reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which endothelial cells regulate the barrier function and physiological permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Takako Kaneko-Kawano
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu 525-8577, Shiga, Japan; (R.W.); (K.S.)
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Baek KI, Ryu K. Role of Flow-Sensitive Endothelial Genes in Atherosclerosis and Antiatherogenic Therapeutics Development. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024; 17:609-623. [PMID: 38010480 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-023-10463-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease which initiates from endothelial dysfunction from genetic and environmental risk factors, including biomechanical forces: blood flow. Endothelial cells (ECs) lining the inner arterial wall regions exposed to disturbed flow are prone to atherosclerosis development, whereas the straight regions exposed to stable flow are spared from the disease. These flow patterns induce genome- and epigenome-wide changes in gene expression in ECs. Through the sweeping changes in gene expression, disturbed flow reprograms ECs from athero-protected cell types under the stable flow condition to pro-atherogenic cell conditions. The pro-atherogenic changes induced by disturbed flow, in combination with additional risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, lead to the progression of atherosclerosis. The flow-sensitive genes and proteins are critical in understanding the mechanisms and serve as novel targets for antiatherogenic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung In Baek
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kitae Ryu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Suwon, 17, Wauan-Gil, Bongdam-Eup, Hwaseong-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 18323, Republic of Korea.
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Zang T, Fear MW, Parker TJ, Holland AJA, Martin L, Langley D, Kimble R, Wood FM, Cuttle L. Inflammatory proteins and neutrophil extracellular traps increase in burn blister fluid 24h after burn. Burns 2024; 50:1180-1191. [PMID: 38490838 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.02.026] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Burn wound blister fluid is a valuable matrix for understanding the biological pathways associated with burn injury. In this study, 152 blister fluid samples collected from paediatric burn wounds at three different hospitals were analysed using mass spectrometry proteomic techniques. The protein abundance profile at different days after burn indicated more proteins were associated with cellular damage/repair in the first 24 h, whereas after this point more proteins were associated with antimicrobial defence. The inflammatory proteins persisted at a high level in the blister fluid for more than 7 days. This may indicate that removal of burn blisters prior to two days after burn is optimal to prevent excessive or prolonged inflammation in the wound environment. Additionally, many proteins associated with the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) pathway were increased after burn, further implicating NETs in the post-burn inflammatory response. NET inhibitors may therefore be a potential treatment to reduce post-burn inflammation and coagulation pathology and enhance burn wound healing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Zang
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark W Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tony J Parker
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew J A Holland
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Burns Unit, Kids Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Martin
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Donna Langley
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roy Kimble
- Children's Health Queensland, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona M Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Burns Service of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Leila Cuttle
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Cheng W, Song Q, Zhou A, Lin L, Zhao Y, Duan J, Zhou Z, Peng Y, Liu C, Zeng Y, Chen P. LRG1 promotes the apoptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells through KLK10 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Tob Induc Dis 2024; 22:TID-22-72. [PMID: 38707515 PMCID: PMC11069109 DOI: 10.18332/tid/186404] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking is one of the most important causes of COPD and could induce the apoptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). The conditional knockout of LRG1 from endothelial cells reduced emphysema in mice. However, the mechanism of the deletion of LRG1 from endothelial cells rescued by cigarette smoke (CS) induced emphysema remains unclear. This research aimed to demonstrate whether LRG1 promotes the apoptosis of PMVECs through KLK10 in COPD. METHODS Nineteen patients were divided into three groups: control non-COPD (n=7), smoker non-COPD (n=7), and COPD (n=5). The emphysema mouse model defined as the CS exposure group was induced by CS exposure plus cigarette smoke extract (CSE) intraperitoneal injection for 28 days. Primary PMVECs were isolated from the mouse by magnetic bead sorting method via CD31-Dynabeads. Apoptosis was detected by western blot and flow cytometry. RESULTS LRG1 was increased in lung tissue of COPD patients and CS exposure mice, and CSE-induced PMVECs apoptosis model. KLK10 was over-expressed in lung tissue of COPD patients and CS exposure mice, and CSE-induced PMVECs apoptosis model. LRG1 promoted apoptosis in PMVECs. LRG1 knockdown reversed CSE-induced apoptosis in PMVECs. The mRNA and protein expression of KLK10 were increased after over-expressed LRG1 in PMVECs isolated from mice. Similarly, both the mRNA and protein levels of KLK10 were decreased after LRG1 knockdown in PMVECs. The result of co-immunoprecipitation revealed a protein-protein interaction between LRG1 and KLK10 in PMVECs. KLK10 promoted apoptosis via the down-regulation of Bcl-2/Bax in PMVECs. KLK10 knockdown could reverse CSE-induced apoptosis in PMVECs. CONCLUSIONS LRG1 promotes apoptosis via up-regulation of KLK10 in PMVECs isolated from mice. KLK10 promotes apoptosis via the down-regulation of Bcl-2/Bax in PMVECs. There was a direct protein-protein interaction between LRG1 and KLK10 in PMVECs. Our novel findings provide insights into the understanding of LRG1/KLK10 function as a potential molecule in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aiyuan Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxi Duan
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yating Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuqin Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Li S, Xu Z, Wang Y, Chen L, Wang X, Zhou Y, Lei D, Zang G, Wang G. Recent advances of mechanosensitive genes in vascular endothelial cells for the formation and treatment of atherosclerosis. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101046. [PMID: 38292174 PMCID: PMC10825297 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.06.016] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its complications are a high-incidence disease worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that blood flow shear has a huge impact on the function of vascular endothelial cells, and it plays an important role in gene regulation of pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, pro-oxidative stress, and cell permeability. Many important endothelial cell mechanosensitive genes have been discovered, including KLK10, CCN gene family, NRP2, YAP, TAZ, HIF-1α, NF-κB, FOS, JUN, TFEB, KLF2/KLF4, NRF2, and ID1. Some of them have been intensively studied, whereas the relevant regulatory mechanism of other genes remains unclear. Focusing on these mechanosensitive genes will provide new strategies for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Thus, this article reviews the mechanosensitive genes affecting vascular endothelial cells, including classical pathways and some newly screened genes, and summarizes the latest research progress on their roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis to reveal effective therapeutic targets of drugs and provide new insights for anti-atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zichen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lizhao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Xiangxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yanghao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Daoxi Lei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Guangchao Zang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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Kato K, Noda T, Kobayashi S, Sasaki K, Iwagami Y, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Takahashi H, Uemura M, Asaoka T, Shimizu J, Doki Y, Eguchi H. KLK10 derived from tumor endothelial cells accelerates colon cancer cell proliferation and hematogenous liver metastasis formation. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1520-1535. [PMID: 38475666 PMCID: PMC11093189 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16144] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor endothelial cells (TECs), which are thought to be structurally and functionally different from normal endothelial cells (NECs), are increasingly attracting attention as a therapeutic target in hypervascular malignancies. Although colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) tumors are hypovascular, inhibitors of angiogenesis are a key drug in multidisciplinary therapy, and TECs might be involved in the development and progression of cancer. Here, we analyzed the function of TEC in the CRLM tumor microenvironment. We used a murine colon cancer cell line (CT26) and isolated TECs from CRLM tumors. TECs showed higher proliferation and migration than NECs. Coinjection of CT26 and TECs yielded rapid tumor formation in vivo. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that coinjection of CT26 and TECs increased vessel formation and Ki-67+ cells. Transcriptome analysis identified kallikrein-related peptide 10 (KLK10) as a candidate target. Coinjection of CT26 and TECs after KLK10 downregulation with siRNA suppressed tumor formation in vivo. TEC secretion of KLK10 decreased after KLK10 downregulation, and conditioned medium after KLK10 knockdown in TECs suppressed CT26 proliferative activity. Double immunofluorescence staining of KLK10 and CD31 in CRLM tissues revealed a significant correlation between poor prognosis and positive KLK10 expression in TECs and tumor cells. On multivariate analysis, KLK10 expression was an independent prognostic factor in disease-free survival. In conclusion, KLK10 derived from TECs accelerates colon cancer cell proliferation and hematogenous liver metastasis formation. KLK10 in TECs might offer a promising therapeutic target in CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Takehiro Noda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshifumi Iwagami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Hidenori Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Tadafumi Asaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Junzo Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
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Tamargo IA, Baek KI, Xu C, Kang DW, Kim Y, Andueza A, Williams D, Demos C, Villa-Roel N, Kumar S, Park C, Choi R, Johnson J, Chang S, Kim P, Tan S, Jeong K, Tsuji S, Jo H. HEG1 Protects Against Atherosclerosis by Regulating Stable Flow-Induced KLF2/4 Expression in Endothelial Cells. Circulation 2024; 149:1183-1201. [PMID: 38099436 PMCID: PMC11001532 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064735] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions of disturbed blood flow, and stable flow (s-flow) protects against atherosclerosis by incompletely understood mechanisms. METHODS Our single-cell RNA-sequencing data using the mouse partial carotid ligation model was reanalyzed, which identified Heart-of-glass 1 (HEG1) as an s-flow-induced gene. HEG1 expression was studied by immunostaining, quantitive polymerase chain reaction, hybridization chain reaction, and Western blot in mouse arteries, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and human coronary arteries. A small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HEG1 was used to study its function and signaling mechanisms in HAECs under various flow conditions using a cone-and-plate shear device. We generated endothelial-targeted, tamoxifen-inducible HEG1 knockout (HEG1iECKO) mice. To determine the role of HEG1 in atherosclerosis, HEG1iECKO and littermate-control mice were injected with an adeno-associated virus-PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] and fed a Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia either for 2 weeks with partial carotid ligation or 2 months without the surgery. RESULTS S-flow induced HEG1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro. S-flow stimulated HEG1 protein translocation to the downstream side of HAECs and release into the media, followed by increased messenger RNA and protein expression. HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced endothelial responses, including monocyte adhesion, permeability, and migration. Mechanistically, HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced KLF2/4 (Kruppel-like factor 2/4) expression by regulating its intracellular binding partner KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped protein 1) and the MEKK3-MEK5-ERK5-MEF2 pathway in HAECs. Compared with littermate controls, HEG1iECKO mice exposed to hypercholesterolemia for 2 weeks and partial carotid ligation developed advanced atherosclerotic plaques, featuring increased necrotic core area, thin-capped fibroatheroma, inflammation, and intraplaque hemorrhage. In a conventional Western diet model for 2 months, HEG1iECKO mice also showed an exacerbated atherosclerosis development in the arterial tree in both sexes and the aortic sinus in males but not in females. Moreover, endothelial HEG1 expression was reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that HEG1 is a novel mediator of atheroprotective endothelial responses to flow and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Tamargo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kyung In Baek
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Chenbo Xu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Dong Won Kang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Yerin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Aitor Andueza
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Darian Williams
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Catherine Demos
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Nicolas Villa-Roel
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Christian Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Rachel Choi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Janie Johnson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Seowon Chang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Paul Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Sheryl Tan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Kiyoung Jeong
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
| | - Shoutaro Tsuji
- Medical Technology & Clinical Engineering, Gunma University of Health and Welfare, Maebashi, Japan (S.T.)
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA (I.A.T., K.I.B., C.X., D.W.K., Y.K., A.A., D.W., C.D., N.V.-R., S.K., C.P., R.C., J.J., S.C., P.K., S.T., K.J., H.J.)
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program (I.A.T., D.W., H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (H.J.), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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10
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Luo YC, Lv YL, He RX, Shi XX, Jiang T. Kallikrein-related peptidase 10 predicts prognosis and mediates tumor immunomodulation in colorectal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 689:149217. [PMID: 37972446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149217] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) have significantly increased in recent years. It has been shown that early diagnosis of CRC improves the five-year survival of patients compared to late diagnosis, as patients with stage I disease have a five-year survival rate as high as 90 %. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified Kallikrein 10 (KLK10), a member of the Kallikrein family, as a reliable predictor of CRC progression, particularly in patients with early-stage CRC. Furthermore, single-cell analysis revealed that KLK10 was highly expressed in tumor and partial immune cells. Analysis of the biological functions of KLK10 using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology indicated that KLK10 plays a role in the proliferation and differentiation of cancer cells, along with the maintenance of tumor function and immune regulation, explicitly by T cells and macrophages. EdU cell proliferation staining, plate clone formation assay, and cell scratch assay demonstrated that KLK10 inhibition by siRNA affected the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Cell cycle detection by flow cytometry demonstrated that KLK10 inhibition led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. In addition, the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in 45 tumor specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, the proportion of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in plasma was identified by flow cytometry, and their correlation with KLK10 was analyzed. The effects of KLK10 on T cells and macrophages were verified in independent cell experiments. The results revealed that KLK10 also activates CD4+ T cells, mediating M2-type macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chao Luo
- Hunan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruo-Xu He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Shi
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Tamargo IA, Baek KI, Kim Y, Park C, Jo H. Flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells in atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:738-753. [PMID: 37225873 PMCID: PMC10206587 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and peripheral artery disease continue to be leading causes of death worldwide despite the success of treatments with cholesterol-lowering drugs and drug-eluting stents, raising the need to identify additional therapeutic targets. Interestingly, atherosclerosis preferentially develops in curved and branching arterial regions, where endothelial cells are exposed to disturbed blood flow with characteristic low-magnitude oscillatory shear stress. By contrast, straight arterial regions exposed to stable flow, which is associated with high-magnitude, unidirectional shear stress, are relatively well protected from the disease through shear-dependent, atheroprotective endothelial cell responses. Flow potently regulates structural, functional, transcriptomic, epigenomic and metabolic changes in endothelial cells through mechanosensors and mechanosignal transduction pathways. A study using single-cell RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility analysis in a mouse model of flow-induced atherosclerosis demonstrated that disturbed flow reprogrammes arterial endothelial cells in situ from healthy phenotypes to diseased ones characterized by endothelial inflammation, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, endothelial-to-immune cell-like transition and metabolic changes. In this Review, we discuss this emerging concept of disturbed-flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells (FIRE) as a potential pro-atherogenic mechanism. Defining the flow-induced mechanisms through which endothelial cells are reprogrammed to promote atherosclerosis is a crucial area of research that could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets to combat the high prevalence of atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Tamargo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyung In Baek
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yerin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christian Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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12
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Li H, Zhang Q. Research Progress of Flavonoids Regulating Endothelial Function. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1201. [PMID: 37765009 PMCID: PMC10534649 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091201] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium, as the guardian of vascular homeostasis, is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As an early marker of the development of a series of vascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Natural flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to induce and regulate endothelial cells and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-aging effects in a large number of in vitro models and in vivo experiments so as to achieve the prevention and improvement of cardiovascular disease. Focusing on endothelial mediation, this paper introduces the signaling pathways involved in the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by common dietary and flavonoids in traditional Chinese medicine and describes them based on their metabolism in the human body and their relationship with the intestinal flora. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the broad pharmacological activity and target development potential of flavonoids as food supplements and drug components in regulating endothelial function and thus in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This paper also introduces the application of some new nanoparticle carriers in order to improve their bioavailability in the human body and play a broader role in vascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Zhang
- The Basic Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China;
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13
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Yu L, Zhang Y, Liu C, Wu X, Wang S, Sui W, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang M. Heterogeneity of macrophages in atherosclerosis revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22810. [PMID: 36786718 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201932rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Technology at the single-cell level has advanced dramatically in characterizing molecular heterogeneity. These technologies have enabled cell subtype diversity to be seen in all tissues, including atherosclerotic plaques. Critical in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression are macrophages. Previous studies have only determined macrophage phenotypes within the plaque, mainly by bulk analysis. However, recent progress in single-cell technologies now enables the comprehensive mapping of macrophage subsets and phenotypes present in plaques. In this review, we have updated and discussed the definition and classification of macrophage subsets in mice and humans using single-cell RNA sequencing. We summarized the different classification methods and perspectives: traditional classification with an updated scoring system, inflammatory macrophages, foamy macrophages, and atherosclerotic-resident macrophages. In addition, some special types of macrophages were identified by specific markers, including IFN-inducible and cavity macrophages. Furthermore, we discussed macrophage subset-specific markers and their functions. In the future, these novel insights into the characteristics and phenotypes of these macrophage subsets within atherosclerotic plaques can provide additional therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Changhao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhai Sui
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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14
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Wen J, Ling R, Chen R, Zhang S, Dai Y, Zhang T, Guo F, Wang Q, Wang G, Jiang Y. Diversity of arterial cell and phenotypic heterogeneity induced by high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:971091. [PMID: 36910156 PMCID: PMC9997679 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.971091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism disorder is the basis of atherosclerotic lesions, in which cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main factor involved with the atherosclerotic development. A high-fat and high-cholesterol diet can lead to this disorder in the human body, thus accelerating the process of disease. The development of single-cell RNA sequencing in recent years has opened the possibility to unbiasedly map cellular heterogeneity with high throughput and high resolution; alterations mediated by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet at the single-cell transcriptomic level can be explored with this mean afterward. We assessed the aortic arch of 16-week old Apoe-/- mice of two control groups (12 weeks of chow diet) and two HFD groups (12 weeks of high fat, high cholesterol diet) to process single-cell suspension and use single-cell RNA sequencing to anatomize the transcripts of 5,416 cells from the control group and 2,739 from the HFD group. Through unsupervised clustering, 14 cell types were divided and defined. Among these cells, the cellular heterogeneity exhibited in endothelial cells and immune cells is the most prominent. Subsequent screening delineated ten endothelial cell subsets with various function based on gene expression profiling. The distribution of endothelial cells and immune cells differs significantly between the control group versus the HFD one. The existence of pathways that inhibit atherosclerosis was found in both dysfunctional endothelial cells and foam cells. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptional landscape of aortic arch cells and unravel the cellular heterogeneity brought by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. All these findings open new perspectives at the transcriptomic level to studying the pathology of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yizhou Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Liu R, Xu Y, Qu S, Dai Z. Major Strategies for Spatial Control of Ultrasound-Driven Gene Expression to Enhance Therapeutic Specificity. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 51:29-40. [PMID: 37522539 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2023047680] [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: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge of gene therapy is to achieve highly specific transgene expression in tissues of interest with minimized off-target expression. Ultrasound in combination with microbubbles can transiently increase permeability of desired cells or tissues and thereby facilitate gene transfer. This kind of ultrasound-driven transgene expression has gained increasing attention due to its deep tissue penetration and high spatiotemporal resolution. However, successful genetic manipulation in vivo with ultrasound need to well optimize various aspects involved in this process. Ultrasound parameters, microbubble dose, and gene vectors need to be optimized for highly increased transgene expression in the cells of interest. Conversely, the potential off-target transgene expression and toxicities need to be reduced by modification of gene vectors and/or promoter sequence. This review will discuss some major strategies for enhanced specificity of the ultrasound-mediated gene transfer in vivo. Five major strategies will be discussed, including the integration of real-time imaging methods, local injection, targeted microbubbles loaded with nucleic acids, stealth nanocarriers, and cell-specific promoter. The advantages and limitations of each strategy were outlined, hoping to provide a guideline for researchers in achieving high specific ultrasound-driven gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfa Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, China
| | - Yunxue Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, China
| | - Shuai Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, China
| | - Zhifei Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, China
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16
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Zhang L, Lovell S, De Vita E, Jagtap PKA, Lucy D, Goya Grocin A, Kjær S, Borg A, Hennig J, Miller AK, Tate EW. A KLK6 Activity-Based Probe Reveals a Role for KLK6 Activity in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Invasion. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:22493-22504. [PMID: 36413626 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c07378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all common cancers due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Serine hydrolases are known to mediate cancer progression and metastasis through initiation of signaling cascades and cleavage of extracellular matrix proteins, and the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family of secreted serine proteases have emerging roles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the lack of reliable activity-based probes (ABPs) to profile KLK activity has hindered progress in validation of these enzymes as potential targets or biomarkers. Here, we developed potent and selective ABPs for KLK6 by using a positional scanning combinatorial substrate library and characterized their binding mode and interactions by X-ray crystallography. The optimized KLK6 probe IMP-2352 (kobs/I = 11,000 M-1 s-1) enabled selective detection of KLK6 activity in a variety of PDAC cell lines, and we observed that KLK6 inhibition reduced the invasiveness of PDAC cells that secrete active KLK6. KLK6 inhibitors were combined with N-terminomics to identify potential secreted protein substrates of KLK6 in PDAC cells, providing insights into KLK6-mediated invasion pathways. These novel KLK6 ABPs offer a toolset to validate KLK6 and associated signaling partners as targets or biomarkers across a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leran Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Scott Lovell
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AX, U.K
| | - Elena De Vita
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Pravin Kumar Ankush Jagtap
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.,Chair of Biochemistry IV, Biophysical Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Daniel Lucy
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Andrea Goya Grocin
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Svend Kjær
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
| | - Annabel Borg
- Structural Biology Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K
| | - Janosch Hennig
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.,Chair of Biochemistry IV, Biophysical Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95447, Germany
| | - Aubry K Miller
- Cancer Drug Development Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, U.K
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17
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Li Q, Wang M, Zhang S, Jin M, Chen R, Luo Y, Sun X. Single-cell RNA sequencing in atherosclerosis: Mechanism and precision medicine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:977490. [PMID: 36267275 PMCID: PMC9576927 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.977490] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of various vascular diseases, including those with high mortality, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. However, its pathogenesis is complex and has not been fully elucidated yet. Over the past few years, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been developed and widely used in many biological fields to reveal biological mechanisms at the cellular level and solve the problems of cellular heterogeneity that cannot be solved using bulk RNA sequencing. In this review, we briefly summarize the existing scRNA-seq technologies and focus on their application in atherosclerosis research to provide insights into the occurrence, development and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
| | - Mengchen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqi Jin
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
| | - Rongchang Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Luo, ; Xiaobo Sun,
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18
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Demos C, Johnson J, Andueza A, Park C, Kim Y, Villa-Roel N, Kang DW, Kumar S, Jo H. Sox13 is a novel flow-sensitive transcription factor that prevents inflammation by repressing chemokine expression in endothelial cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:979745. [PMID: 36247423 PMCID: PMC9561411 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.979745] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and occurs preferentially in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow) while the stable flow (s-flow) regions are spared. D-flow induces endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis by regulating endothelial gene expression partly through the flow-sensitive transcription factors (FSTFs). Most FSTFs, including the well-known Kruppel-like factors KLF2 and KLF4, have been identified from in vitro studies using cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Since many flow-sensitive genes and pathways are lost or dysregulated in ECs during culture, we hypothesized that many important FSTFs in ECs in vivo have not been identified. We tested the hypothesis by analyzing our recent gene array and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and chromatin accessibility sequencing (scATACseq) datasets generated using the mouse partial carotid ligation model. From the analyses, we identified 30 FSTFs, including the expected KLF2/4 and novel FSTFs. They were further validated in mouse arteries in vivo and cultured human aortic ECs (HAECs). These results revealed 8 FSTFs, SOX4, SOX13, SIX2, ZBTB46, CEBPβ, NFIL3, KLF2, and KLF4, that are conserved in mice and humans in vivo and in vitro. We selected SOX13 for further studies because of its robust flow-sensitive regulation, preferential expression in ECs, and unknown flow-dependent function. We found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of SOX13 increased endothelial inflammatory responses even under the unidirectional laminar shear stress (ULS, mimicking s-flow) condition. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we conducted an RNAseq study in HAECs treated with SOX13 siRNA under shear conditions (ULS vs. oscillatory shear mimicking d-flow). We found 94 downregulated and 40 upregulated genes that changed in a shear- and SOX13-dependent manner. Several cytokines, including CXCL10 and CCL5, were the most strongly upregulated genes in HAECs treated with SOX13 siRNA. The robust induction of CXCL10 and CCL5 was further validated by qPCR and ELISA in HAECs. Moreover, the treatment of HAECs with Met-CCL5, a specific CCL5 receptor antagonist, prevented the endothelial inflammation responses induced by siSOX13. In addition, SOX13 overexpression prevented the endothelial inflammation responses. In summary, SOX13 is a novel conserved FSTF, which represses the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines in ECs under s-flow. Reduction of endothelial SOX13 triggers chemokine expression and inflammatory responses, a major proatherogenic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Demos
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Janie Johnson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aitor Andueza
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christian Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yerin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicolas Villa-Roel
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dong-Won Kang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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19
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Liu R, Qu S, Xu Y, Jo H, Dai Z. Spatial control of robust transgene expression in mouse artery endothelium under ultrasound guidance. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:225. [PMID: 35843985 PMCID: PMC9288995 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01031-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renfa Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shuai Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxue Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Zhifei Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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20
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Meneri M, Bonato S, Gagliardi D, Comi GP, Corti S. New Insights into Cerebral Vessel Disease Landscapes at Single-Cell Resolution: Pathogenetic and Therapeutic Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1693. [PMID: 35884997 PMCID: PMC9313091 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071693] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability globally. The development of new therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases (e.g., ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke, vascular dementia) is limited by a lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of health and disease conditions and the factors that cause injury to cerebrovascular structures. Here, we describe the role of advances in omics technology, particularly RNA sequencing, in studying high-dimensional, multifaceted profiles of thousands of individual blood and vessel cells at single-cell resolution. This analysis enables the dissection of the heterogeneity of diseased cerebral vessels and their atherosclerotic plaques, including the microenvironment, cell evolutionary trajectory, and immune response pathway. In animal models, RNA sequencing permits the tracking of individual cells (including immunological, endothelial, and vascular smooth muscle cells) that compose atherosclerotic plaques and their alteration under experimental settings such as phenotypic transition. We describe how single-cell RNA transcriptomics in humans allows mapping to the molecular and cellular levels of atherosclerotic plaques in cerebral arteries, tracking individual lymphocytes and macrophages, and how these data can aid in identifying novel immune mechanisms that could be exploited as therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Single-cell multi-omics approaches will likely provide the unprecedented resolution and depth of data needed to generate clinically relevant cellular and molecular signatures for the precise treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megi Meneri
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.); (G.P.C.)
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bonato
- Stroke Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.); (G.P.C.)
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo P. Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.); (G.P.C.)
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.); (G.P.C.)
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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