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Benavente ED, Hartman RJG, Sakkers TR, Wesseling M, Sloots Y, Slenders L, Boltjes A, Mol BM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DPV, Prange KHM, de Winther MPJ, Kuiper J, Civelek M, van der Laan SW, Horvath S, Onland-Moret C, Mokry M, Pasterkamp G, den Ruijter HM. Atherosclerotic Plaque Epigenetic Age Acceleration Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Is Associated With Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Humans. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024. [PMID: 38634280 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic age estimators (clocks) are predictive of human mortality risk. However, it is not yet known whether the epigenetic age of atherosclerotic plaques is predictive for the risk of cardiovascular events. METHODS Whole-genome DNA methylation of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n=485) and of blood (n=93) from the Athero-Express endarterectomy cohort was used to calculate epigenetic age acceleration (EAA). EAA was linked to clinical characteristics, plaque histology, and future cardiovascular events (n=136). We studied whole-genome DNA methylation and bulk and single-cell transcriptomics to uncover molecular mechanisms of plaque EAA. We experimentally confirmed our in silico findings using in vitro experiments in primary human coronary endothelial cells. RESULTS Male and female patients with severe atherosclerosis had a median chronological age of 69 years. The median epigenetic age was 65 years in females (median EAA, -2.2 [interquartile range, -4.3 to 2.2] years) and 68 years in males (median EAA, -0.3 [interquartile range, -2.9 to 3.8] years). Patients with diabetes and a high body mass index had higher plaque EAA. Increased EAA of plaque predicted future events in a 3-year follow-up in a Cox regression model (univariate hazard ratio, 1.7; P=0.0034) and adjusted multivariate model (hazard ratio, 1.56; P=0.02). Plaque EAA predicted outcome independent of blood EAA (hazard ratio, 1.3; P=0.018) and of plaque hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 1.7; P=0.02). Single-cell RNA sequencing in plaque samples from 46 patients in the same cohort revealed smooth muscle and endothelial cells as important cell types in plaque EAA. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition was associated with EAA, which was experimentally confirmed by TGFβ-triggered endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition inducing rapid epigenetic aging in coronary endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Plaque EAA is a strong and independent marker of poor outcome in patients with severe atherosclerosis. Plaque EAA was linked to mesenchymal endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition was associated with EAA, which was experimentally validated. Epigenetic aging mechanisms may provide new targets for treatments that reduce atherosclerosis complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
| | - Robin J G Hartman
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
| | - Tim R Sakkers
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
| | - Marian Wesseling
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Yannicke Sloots
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
| | - Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Arjan Boltjes
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Barend M Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.)
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.)
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.)
| | - Koen H M Prange
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W., J.K.)
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W., J.K.)
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of Biotherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W., J.K.)
| | - Mete Civelek
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. (M.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. (M.C.)
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. (S.H.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles. (S.H.)
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, United Kingdom (S.H.)
| | - Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (C.O.-M.)
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (M.W., L.S., A.B., S.W.v.d.L., M.M., G.P.)
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. (E.D.B., R.J.G.H., T.R.S., Y.S., M.M., H.M.d.R.)
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Dzobo KE, Cupido AJ, Mol BM, Stiekema LC, Versloot M, Winkelmeijer M, Peter J, Pennekamp AM, Havik SR, Vaz FM, van Weeghel M, Prange KH, Levels JH, de Winther MP, Tsimikas S, Groen AK, Stroes ES, de Kleijn DP, Kroon J. Diacylglycerols and Lysophosphatidic Acid, Enriched on Lipoprotein(a), Contribute to Monocyte Inflammation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:720-740. [PMID: 38269588 PMCID: PMC10880937 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidized phospholipids play a key role in the atherogenic potential of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]); however, Lp(a) is a complex particle that warrants research into additional proinflammatory mediators. We hypothesized that additional Lp(a)-associated lipids contribute to the atherogenicity of Lp(a). METHODS Untargeted lipidomics was performed on plasma and isolated lipoprotein fractions. The atherogenicity of the observed Lp(a)-associated lipids was tested ex vivo in primary human monocytes by RNA sequencing, ELISA, Western blot, and transendothelial migratory assays. Using immunofluorescence staining and single-cell RNA sequencing, the phenotype of macrophages was investigated in human atherosclerotic lesions. RESULTS Compared with healthy individuals with low/normal Lp(a) levels (median, 7 mg/dL [18 nmol/L]; n=13), individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels (median, 87 mg/dL [218 nmol/L]; n=12) demonstrated an increase in lipid species, particularly diacylglycerols (DGs) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). DG and the LPA precursor lysophosphatidylcholine were enriched in the Lp(a) fraction. Ex vivo stimulation with DG(40:6) demonstrated a significant upregulation in proinflammatory pathways related to leukocyte migration, chemotaxis, NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling, and cytokine production. Functional assessment showed a dose-dependent increase in the secretion of IL (interleukin)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β after DG(40:6) and DG(38:4) stimulation, which was, in part, mediated via the NLRP3 (NOD [nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain]-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome. Conversely, LPA-stimulated monocytes did not exhibit an inflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, activation of monocytes by DGs and LPA increased their transendothelial migratory capacity. Human atherosclerotic plaques from patients with high Lp(a) levels demonstrated colocalization of Lp(a) with M1 macrophages, and an enrichment of CD68+IL-18+TLR4+ (toll-like receptor) TREM2+ (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells) resident macrophages and CD68+CASP1+ (caspase) IL-1B+SELL+ (selectin L) inflammatory macrophages compared with patients with low Lp(a). Finally, potent Lp(a)-lowering treatment (pelacarsen) resulted in a reduction in specific circulating DG lipid subspecies in patients with cardiovascular disease with elevated Lp(a) levels (median, 82 mg/dL [205 nmol/L]). CONCLUSIONS Lp(a)-associated DGs and LPA have a potential role in Lp(a)-induced monocyte inflammation by increasing cytokine secretion and monocyte transendothelial migration. This DG-induced inflammation is, in part, NLRP3 inflammasome dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim E. Dzobo
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Syndromes, the Netherlands (K.E.D., M.V., J.K.)
| | - Arjen J. Cupido
- Vascular Medicine (A.J.C., L.C.A.S., E.S.G.S.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Barend M. Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands (B.M.M., D.P.V.d.K.)
| | - Lotte C.A. Stiekema
- Vascular Medicine (A.J.C., L.C.A.S., E.S.G.S.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda Versloot
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Syndromes, the Netherlands (K.E.D., M.V., J.K.)
| | - Maaike Winkelmeijer
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Jorge Peter
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marije Pennekamp
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan R. Havik
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric M. Vaz
- Core Facility Metabolomics (F.M.V., M.v.W.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel van Weeghel
- Core Facility Metabolomics (F.M.V., M.v.W.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Koen H.M. Prange
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes H.M. Levels
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Menno P.J. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W.), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sotirios Tsimikas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (S.T.)
| | - Albert K. Groen
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Erik S.G. Stroes
- Vascular Medicine (A.J.C., L.C.A.S., E.S.G.S.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique P.V. de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands (B.M.M., D.P.V.d.K.)
| | - Jeffrey Kroon
- Departments of Experimental Vascular Medicine (K.E.D., M.V., M.W., J.P., A.-M.P., S.R.H., J.H.M.L., A.K.G., J.K.), Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Syndromes, the Netherlands (K.E.D., M.V., J.K.)
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB)-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Belgium (J.K.)
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute, Belgium (J.K.)
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3
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Buono MF, Benavente ED, Slenders L, Methorst D, Tessels D, Mili E, Finger R, Kapteijn D, Daniels M, van den Dungen NAM, Calis JJA, Mol BM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DPV, Pasterkamp G, den Ruijter HM, Mokry M. Human Plaque Myofibroblasts to Study Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e030243. [PMID: 37889192 PMCID: PMC10727388 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.030243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Plaque myofibroblasts are critical players in the initiation and advancement of atherosclerotic disease. They are involved in the production of extracellular matrix, the formation of the fibrous cap, and the underlying lipidic core via modulation processes in response to different environmental cues. Despite clear phenotypic differences between myofibroblast cells and healthy vascular smooth muscle cells, smooth muscle cells are still widely used as a cellular model in atherosclerotic research. Methods and Results Here, we present a conditioned outgrowth method to isolate and culture myofibroblast cells from plaques. We obtained these cells from 27 donors (24 carotid and 3 femoral endarterectomies). We show that they keep their proliferative capacity for 8 passages, are transcriptionally stable, retain donor-specific gene expression programs, and express extracellular matrix proteins (FN1, COL1A1, and DCN) and smooth muscle cell markers (ACTA2, MYH11, and CNN1). Single-cell transcriptomics reveals that the cells in culture closely resemble the plaque myofibroblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing shows the presence of histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation at the MYH11 promoter, pointing to their smooth muscle cell origin. Finally, we demonstrated that plaque myofibroblasts can be efficiently transduced (>97%) and are capable of taking up oxidized low-density lipoprotein and undergoing calcification. Conclusions In conclusion, we present a method to isolate and culture cells that retain plaque myofibroblast phenotypical and functional capabilities, making them a suitable in vitro model for studying selected mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele F. Buono
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostics LaboratoryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Daisey Methorst
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Tessels
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Eloi Mili
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Roxy Finger
- Central Diagnostics LaboratoryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Daniek Kapteijn
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Mark Daniels
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Jorg J. A. Calis
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Center for Translational ImmunologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children’s HospitalUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Barend M. Mol
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Gert J. de Borst
- Department of Vascular SurgeryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | | | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics LaboratoryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Hester M. den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental CardiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
- Central Diagnostics LaboratoryUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
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Li W, Lin A, Hutton M, Dhaliwal H, Nadel J, Rodor J, Tumanov S, Örd T, Hadden M, Mokry M, Mol BM, Pasterkamp G, Padula MP, Geczy CL, Ramaswamy Y, Sluimer JC, Kaikkonen MU, Stocker R, Baker AH, Fisher EA, Patel S, Misra A. Colchicine promotes atherosclerotic plaque stability independently of inflammation. bioRxiv 2023:2023.10.03.560632. [PMID: 37873248 PMCID: PMC10592948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is driven in part by the aberrant trans -differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). No therapeutic drug has been shown to reverse detrimental SMC-derived cell phenotypes into protective phenotypes, a hypothesized enabler of plaque regression and improved patient outcome. Herein, we describe a novel function of colchicine in the beneficial modulation of SMC-derived cell phenotype, independent of its conventional anti-inflammatory effects. Using SMC fate mapping in an advanced atherosclerotic lesion model, colchicine induced plaque regression by converting pathogenic SMC-derived macrophage-like and osteoblast-like cells into protective myofibroblast-like cells which thickened, and thereby stabilized, the fibrous cap. This was dependent on Notch3 signaling in SMC-derived plaque cells. These findings may help explain the success of colchicine in clinical trials relative to other anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, we demonstrate the potential of regulating SMC phenotype in advanced plaque regression through Notch3 signaling, in addition to the canonical anti-inflammatory actions of drugs to treat atherosclerosis.
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5
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Diez Benavente E, Karnewar S, Buono M, Mili E, Hartman RJ, Kapteijn D, Slenders L, Daniels M, Aherrahrou R, Reinberger T, Mol BM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DP, Prange KH, Depuydt MA, de Winther MP, Kuiper J, Björkegren JL, Erdmann J, Civelek M, Mokry M, Owens GK, Pasterkamp G, den Ruijter HM. Female Gene Networks Are Expressed in Myofibroblast-Like Smooth Muscle Cells in Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:1836-1850. [PMID: 37589136 PMCID: PMC10521798 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women presenting with coronary artery disease more often present with fibrous atherosclerotic plaques, which are currently understudied. Phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to atherosclerosis in women. How these phenotypically modulated SMCs shape female versus male plaques is unknown. METHODS Gene regulatory networks were created using RNAseq gene expression data from human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The networks were prioritized based on sex bias, relevance for smooth muscle biology, and coronary artery disease genetic enrichment. Network expression was linked to histologically determined plaque phenotypes. In addition, their expression in plaque cell types was studied at single-cell resolution using single-cell RNAseq. Finally, their relevance for disease progression was studied in female and male Apoe-/- mice fed a Western diet for 18 and 30 weeks. RESULTS Here, we identify multiple sex-stratified gene regulatory networks from human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Prioritization of the female networks identified 2 main SMC gene regulatory networks in late-stage atherosclerosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing mapped these female networks to 2 SMC phenotypes: a phenotypically modulated myofibroblast-like SMC network and a contractile SMC network. The myofibroblast-like network was mostly expressed in plaques that were vulnerable in women. Finally, the mice ortholog of key driver gene MFGE8 (milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing) showed retained expression in advanced plaques from female mice but was downregulated in male mice during atherosclerosis progression. CONCLUSIONS Female atherosclerosis is characterized by gene regulatory networks that are active in fibrous vulnerable plaques rich in myofibroblast-like SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (S.K., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Michele Buono
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Eloi Mili
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Robin J.G. Hartman
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Daniek Kapteijn
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory (L.S., M.M., G.P.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Daniels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Redouane Aherrahrou
- Center for Public Health Genomics (R.A., M.C.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany (R.A., T.R., J.E.)
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland (R.A.)
| | - Tobias Reinberger
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany (R.A., T.R., J.E.)
| | - Barend M. Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Gert J. de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique P.V. de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery (B.M.M., G.J.d.B., D.P.V.d.K.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Koen H.M. Prange
- Experimental Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers — location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W.)
| | - Marie A.C. Depuydt
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.A.C.D., J.K.)
| | - Menno P.J. de Winther
- Experimental Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers — location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands (K.H.M.P., M.P.J.d.W.)
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands (M.A.C.D., J.K.)
| | - Johan L.M. Björkegren
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (J.L.M.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden (J.L.M.B.)
| | - Jeanette Erdmann
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Germany (R.A., T.R., J.E.)
| | - Mete Civelek
- Center for Public Health Genomics (R.A., M.C.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (M.C.)
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.C.)
| | - Michal Mokry
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory (L.S., M.M., G.P.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Gary K. Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (S.K., G.K.O.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory (L.S., M.M., G.P.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Hester M. den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology (E.D.B., M.B., E.M., R.J.G.H., D.K., M.D., H.M.d.R.), University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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6
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Buono MF, Benavente ED, Daniels M, Mol BM, Mekke JM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DPV, van der Laan SW, Pasterkamp G, Onland-Moret C, Mokry M, den Ruijter HM. X chromosome inactivation skewing is common in advanced carotid atherosclerotic lesions in females and predicts secondary peripheral artery events. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:43. [PMID: 37408072 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Sex differences in atherosclerosis have been described with female plaques being mostly perceived as stable and fibrous. Sex-specific mechanisms such as mosaic loss of the Y chromosome in men have been linked to cardiovascular health. In women, X-linked mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing is common in several tissues. Yet, information on the role of XCI in female atherosclerotic plaques is lacking. Here, we investigated the presence of XCI skewing in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and its association with cardiovascular risk factors, histological plaque data, and clinical data. METHODS XCI skewing was quantified in 154 atherosclerotic plaque and 55 blood DNA samples of women included in the Athero-Express study. The skewing status was determined performing the HUMARA assay. Then, we studied the relationship of XCI skewing in female plaque and cardiovascular risk factors using regression models. In addition, we studied if plaque XCI predicted plaque composition, and adverse events during 3-years follow-up using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS XCI skewing was detected in 76 of 154 (49.4%) plaques and in 27 of 55 (67%) blood samples. None of the clinical risk factors were associated with plaque skewing. Plaque skewing was more often detected in plaques with a plaque hemorrhage (OR [95% CI]: 1.44 [1.06-1.98], P = 0.02). Moreover, skewed plaques were not associated with a higher incidence of composite and major events but were specifically associated with peripheral artery events during a 3-year follow-up period in a multivariate model (HR [95%CI]: 1.46 [1.09-1.97]; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS XCI skewing is common in carotid plaques of females and is predictive for the occurrence of peripheral artery events within 3 years after carotid endarterectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele F Buono
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Daniels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend M Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost M Mekke
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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7
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Castelijns MC, Helmink MAG, Hageman SHJ, Asselbergs FW, de Borst GJ, Bots ML, Cramer MJ, Dorresteijn JAN, Emmelot-Vonk MH, Geerlings MI, de Jong PA, van der Kaaij NP, Kappelle LJ, Lely AT, van der Meer MG, Mol BM, Nathoe HM, Onland-Moret NC, van Petersen RB, Ruigrok YM, van Smeden M, Teraa M, Vandersteen A, Verhaar MC, Westerink J, Visseren FLJ. Cohort profile: the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease (UCC-SMART) Study-an ongoing prospective cohort study of patients at high cardiovascular risk in the Netherlands. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066952. [PMID: 36806141 PMCID: PMC9944278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease (UCC-SMART) Study is an ongoing prospective single-centre cohort study with the aim to assess important determinants and the prognosis of cardiovascular disease progression. This article provides an update of the rationale, design, included patients, measurements and findings from the start in 1996 to date. PARTICIPANTS The UCC-SMART Study includes patients aged 18-90 years referred to the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, for management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or severe cardiovascular risk factors. Since September 1996, a total of 14 830 patients have been included. Upon inclusion, patients undergo a standardised screening programme, including questionnaires, vital signs, laboratory measurements, an ECG, vascular ultrasound of carotid arteries and aorta, ankle-brachial index and ultrasound measurements of adipose tissue, kidney size and intima-media thickness. Outcomes of interest are collected through annual questionnaires and adjudicated by an endpoint committee. FINDINGS TO DATE By May 2022, the included patients contributed to a total follow-up time of over 134 000 person-years. During follow-up, 2259 patients suffered a vascular endpoint (including non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and vascular death) and 2794 all-cause deaths, 943 incident cases of diabetes and 2139 incident cases of cancer were observed up until January 2020. The UCC-SMART cohort contributed to over 350 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including prediction models recommended by the 2021 European Society of Cardiology CVD prevention guidelines. FUTURE PLANS The UCC-SMART Study guarantees an infrastructure for research in patients at high cardiovascular risk. The cohort will continue to include about 600 patients yearly and follow-up will be ongoing to ensure an up-to-date cohort in accordance with current healthcare and scientific knowledge. In the near future, UCC-SMART will be enriched by echocardiography, and a food frequency questionnaire at baseline enabling the assessment of associations between nutrition and CVD and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Castelijns
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marga A G Helmink
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven H J Hageman
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Folkert W Asselbergs
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel L Bots
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J Cramer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jannick A N Dorresteijn
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam I Geerlings
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim A de Jong
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Niels P van der Kaaij
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L Jaap Kappelle
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Titia Lely
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Manon G van der Meer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend M Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik M Nathoe
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger B van Petersen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ynte M Ruigrok
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Smeden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Teraa
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Vandersteen
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Westerink
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank L J Visseren
- Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Benavente ED, Karnewar S, Buono M, Mili E, Hartman RJG, Kapteijn D, Slenders L, Daniels M, Aherrahrou R, Reinberger T, Mol BM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DPV, Prange KHM, Depuydt MAC, de Winther MPJ, Kuiper J, Björkegren JLM, Erdmann J, Civelek M, Mokry M, Owens GK, Pasterkamp G, den Ruijter HM. Female gene networks are expressed in myofibroblast-like smooth muscle cells in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. bioRxiv 2023:2023.02.08.527690. [PMID: 36798294 PMCID: PMC9934638 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Women presenting with coronary artery disease (CAD) more often present with fibrous atherosclerotic plaques, which are currently understudied. Phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to atherosclerosis in women. How these phenotypically modulated SMCs shape female versus male plaques is unknown. Here, we show sex-stratified gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from human carotid atherosclerotic tissue. Prioritization of these networks identified two main SMC GRNs in late-stage atherosclerosis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing mapped these GRNs to two SMC phenotypes: a phenotypically modulated myofibroblast-like SMC network and a contractile SMC network. The myofibroblast-like GRN was mostly expressed in plaques that were vulnerable in females. Finally, mice orthologs of the female myofibroblast-like genes showed retained expression in advanced plaques from female mice but were downregulated in male mice during atherosclerosis progression. Female atherosclerosis is driven by GRNs that promote a fibrous vulnerable plaque rich in myofibroblast-like SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michele Buono
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Eloi Mili
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Robin J. G. Hartman
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Daniek Kapteijn
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Daniels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Redouane Aherrahrou
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | | | - Barend M. Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Gert J. de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique P. V. de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Koen H. M. Prange
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University’ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie A. C. Depuydt
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University’ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Menno P. J. de Winther
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University’ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University’ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan L. M. Björkegren
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Erdmann
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mete Civelek
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michal Mokry
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hester M. den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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