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Dubner AM, Lu S, Jolly AJ, Strand KA, Mutryn MF, Hinthorn T, Noble T, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MC. Smooth muscle-derived adventitial progenitor cells direct atherosclerotic plaque composition complexity in a Klf4-dependent manner. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e174639. [PMID: 37991018 PMCID: PMC10755692 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174639] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously established that vascular smooth muscle-derived adventitial progenitor cells (AdvSca1-SM) preferentially differentiate into myofibroblasts and contribute to fibrosis in response to acute vascular injury. However, the role of these progenitor cells in chronic atherosclerosis has not been defined. Using an AdvSca1-SM cell lineage tracing model, scRNA-Seq, flow cytometry, and histological approaches, we confirmed that AdvSca1-SM-derived cells localized throughout the vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaques, where they primarily differentiated into fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells (SMC), or remained in a stem-like state. Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) knockout specifically in AdvSca1-SM cells induced transition to a more collagen-enriched fibroblast phenotype compared with WT mice. Additionally, Klf4 deletion drastically modified the phenotypes of non-AdvSca1-SM-derived cells, resulting in more contractile SMC and atheroprotective macrophages. Functionally, overall plaque burden was not altered with Klf4 deletion, but multiple indices of plaque composition complexity, including necrotic core area, macrophage accumulation, and fibrous cap thickness, were reduced. Collectively, these data support that modulation of AdvSca1-SM cells through KLF4 depletion confers increased protection from the development of potentially unstable atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Austin J. Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Keith A. Strand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Marie F. Mutryn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Tyler Hinthorn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tysen Noble
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Raphael A. Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Karen S. Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark W. Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Laboratory Medicine & and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary C.M. Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Dubner AM, Lu S, Jolly AJ, Noble T, Hinthorn T, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MCM. Confounding Effects of Tamoxifen: Cautionary and Practical Considerations for the Use of Tamoxifen-Inducible Mouse Models in Atherosclerosis Research-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2223-2230. [PMID: 37706321 PMCID: PMC10615862 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319922] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, fate-mapping lineage studies in mouse models have led to major advances in vascular biology by allowing investigators to track specific cell populations in vivo. One of the most frequently used lineage tracing approaches involves tamoxifen-inducible CreERT-LoxP systems. However, tamoxifen treatment can also promote effects independent of Cre recombinase activation, many of which have not been fully explored. METHODS To elucidate off-target effects of tamoxifen, male and female mice were either unmanipulated or injected with tamoxifen or corn oil. All mice received PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9)-AAV (adeno-associated virus) injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 2 weeks, serum cholesterol and liver morphology were assessed. To determine the duration of any tamoxifen effects in long-term atherosclerosis experiments, mice received either 12 days of tamoxifen at baseline or 12 days plus 2 sets of 5-day tamoxifen boosters; all mice received PCSK9-AAV injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 24 weeks, serum cholesterol and aortic sinus plaque burden were measured. RESULTS After 2 weeks of atherogenic treatment, mice injected with tamoxifen demonstrated significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels compared with uninjected- or corn oil-treated mice. However, there were no differences in PCSK9-mediated knockdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptors between the groups. Additionally, tamoxifen-treated mice exhibited significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the other groups. Finally, the effects of tamoxifen remained for at least 8 weeks after completion of injections, with mice demonstrating persistent decreased serum cholesterol and impaired atherosclerotic plaque formation. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we establish that tamoxifen administration results in decreased serum cholesterol, decreased plaque formation, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. These alterations represent significant confounding variables in atherosclerosis research, and we urge future investigators to take these findings into consideration when planning and executing their own atherosclerosis experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tysen Noble
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler Hinthorn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Mary CM Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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3
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Dubner AM, Lu S, Jolly AJ, Strand KA, Mutryn MF, Hinthorn T, Noble T, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MCM. Smooth muscle-derived adventitial progenitor cells promote key cell type transitions controlling plaque stability in atherosclerosis in a Klf4-dependent manner. bioRxiv 2023:2023.07.18.549539. [PMID: 37503181 PMCID: PMC10370085 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.18.549539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
We previously established that vascular smooth muscle-derived adventitial progenitor cells (AdvSca1-SM) preferentially differentiate into myofibroblasts and contribute to fibrosis in response to acute vascular injury. However, the role of these progenitor cells in chronic atherosclerosis has not been defined. Using an AdvSca1-SM lineage tracing model, scRNA-Seq, flow cytometry, and histological approaches, we confirmed that AdvSca1-SM cells localize throughout the vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaques, where they primarily differentiate into fibroblasts, SMCs, or remain in a stem-like state. Klf4 knockout specifically in AdvSca1-SM cells induced transition to a more collagen-enriched myofibroblast phenotype compared to WT mice. Additionally, Klf4 depletion drastically modified the phenotypes of non-AdvSca1-SM-derived cells, resulting in more contractile SMCs and atheroprotective macrophages. Functionally, overall plaque burden was not altered with Klf4 depletion, but multiple indices of plaque vulnerability were reduced. Collectively, these data support that modulating the AdvSca1-SM population confers increased protection from the development of unstable atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Keith A Strand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tyler Hinthorn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tysen Noble
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology MS program, University of Colorado Graduate School, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101
- Departments of Pediatrics, Laboratory Medicine & and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Mary CM Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Integrated Physiology PhD Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Jolly AJ, Lu S, Dubner AM, Strand KA, Mutryn MF, Pilotti-Riley A, Danis EP, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MC. Redistribution of the chromatin remodeler Brg1 directs smooth muscle-derived adventitial progenitor-to-myofibroblast differentiation and vascular fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:164862. [PMID: 36976650 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle-derived Sca1+ adventitial progenitor (AdvSca1-SM) cells are tissue resident, multipotent stem cells that contribute to progression of vascular remodeling and fibrosis. Upon acute vascular injury, AdvSca1-SM cells differentiate into myofibroblasts and are embedded in perivascular collagen and extracellular matrix. While the phenotypic properties of AdvSca1-SM-derived myofibroblasts have been defined, the underlying epigenetic regulators driving the AdvSca1-SM-to-myofibroblast transition are unclear. We show that the chromatin remodeler, Smarca4/Brg1, facilitates AdvSca1-SM myofibroblast differentiation. Brg1 mRNA and protein was upregulated in AdvSca1-SM cells after acute vascular injury and pharmacological inhibition of Brg1 by the small molecule PFI-3 attenuated perivascular fibrosis and adventitial expansion. TGF-β1 stimulation of AdvSca1-SM cells in vitro reduced expression of stemness genes while inducing expression of myofibroblast genes that was associated with enhanced contractility; PFI blocked TGF-β1-induced phenotypic transition. Similarly, genetic knockdown of Brg1 in vivo reduced adventitial remodeling and fibrosis and reversed AdvSca1-SM-to-myofibroblast transition in vitro. Mechanistically, TGF-β1 promoted redistribution of Brg1 from distal intergenic sites of stemness genes and recruitment to promoter regions of myofibroblast-related genes, which was blocked by PFI-3. These data shed insight into epigenetic regulation of resident vascular progenitor cell differentiation and support that manipulating the AdvSca1-SM phenotype will provide important anti-fibrotic clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Keith A Strand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Aaron Pilotti-Riley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Etienne P Danis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Mary Cm Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States of America
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5
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Lu S, Jolly AJ, Dubner AM, Mutryn MF, Nemenoff RA, Moulton KS, Weiser-Evans MC. Abstract 317: Resident Vascular Adventitial Progenitor Cells Of Smooth Muscle Cell-lineage Adopt Profibrotic Phenotype And Contribute To Cardiac Fibrosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1161/atvb.42.suppl_1.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Activated cardiac myofibroblasts are the major contributors to ECM deposition in pathological cardiovascular fibrosis, which is the characteristic feature of cardiovascular diseases. However, due to potential heterogeneity of myofibroblasts, the origin of these cells remains controversial. Using highly specific smooth muscle cell lineage-tracing mouse models, we discovered the smooth muscle cell origin of a subpopulation of resident vascular adventitial progenitor cells, defined by the expression of the stem cell marker Sca1 (AdvSca1-SM cells), which rapidly proliferate and adopt a myofibroblast phenotype in response to acute vascular injury. Further, we identified a specific gene signature of active hedgehog/Wnt/β-catenin/
Klf4
signaling in AdvSca1-SM cells and validated a
Gli1
-CreERT2-ROSA26-YFP (Gli1) reporter mouse model to be a faithful lineage tracing system for AdvSca1-SM cells. However, the function of AdvSca1-SM cells in cardiac fibrosis is unknown. Using immunofluorescent staining and label-free second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging, we observed the expansion and migration of AdvSca1-SM cells in close association with perivascular and interstitial cardiac fibrosis in pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis in Gli1 reporter mice. We performed single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to examine the phenotype of AdvSca1-SM cells in Angiotensin II (AngII) model. Our data showed that, upon AngII challenge, AdvSca1-SM cells differentiate along a profibrotic trajectory, which is characterized by loss of expression of
Klf4
, the lncRNA,
Meg3
, and stemness genes and up-regulation of myofibroblast genes. Importantly, AngII-induced profibrotic transcriptomic changes of AdvSca1-SM cells were recapitulated in human ventricular tissues exhibiting a gene signature of cardiac hypertrophy, emphasizing the translational significance of this phenotypic transition. Connectivity map analysis of the scRNA-seq data identified statins as potential candidates for inhibition of the profibrotic transition of AdvSca1-SM cells. In agreement, simvastatin induced the expression of stemness genes and inhibited TGFβ-induced up-regulation of αSMA and down-regulation of
Klf4
in cultured AdvSca1-SM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhao Lu
- Univ of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO
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Ambardekar AV, Stratton MS, Weiser-Evans MCM, Moulton KS, McKinsey TA. Reply: Aortic Valve Remodeling in CF-LVAD: Beyond the Arterial Wall. J Am Coll Cardiol 2022; 79:e223. [PMID: 35331421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Aguado BA, Walker CJ, Grim JC, Schroeder ME, Batan D, Vogt BJ, Rodriguez AG, Schwisow JA, Moulton KS, Weiss RM, Heistad DD, Leinwand LA, Anseth KS. Genes That Escape X Chromosome Inactivation Modulate Sex Differences in Valve Myofibroblasts. Circulation 2022; 145:513-530. [PMID: 35000411 PMCID: PMC8844107 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic valve stenosis is a sexually dimorphic disease, with women often presenting with sustained fibrosis and men with more extensive calcification. However, the intracellular molecular mechanisms that drive these clinically important sex differences remain underexplored. METHODS Hydrogel biomaterials were designed to recapitulate key aspects of the valve tissue microenvironment and to serve as a culture platform for sex-specific valvular interstitial cells (VICs; precursors to profibrotic myofibroblasts). The hydrogel culture system was used to interrogate intracellular pathways involved in sex-dependent VIC-to-myofibroblast activation and deactivation. RNA sequencing was used to define pathways involved in driving sex-dependent activation. Interventions with small molecule inhibitors and siRNA transfections were performed to provide mechanistic insight into sex-specific cellular responses to microenvironmental cues, including matrix stiffness and exogenously delivered biochemical factors. RESULTS In both healthy porcine and human aortic valves, female leaflets had higher baseline activation of the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin compared with male leaflets. When isolated and cultured, female porcine and human VICs had higher levels of basal α-smooth muscle actin stress fibers that further increased in response to the hydrogel matrix stiffness, both of which were higher than in male VICs. A transcriptomic analysis of male and female porcine VICs revealed Rho-associated protein kinase signaling as a potential driver of this sex-dependent myofibroblast activation. Furthermore, we found that genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation such as BMX and STS (encoding for Bmx nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and steroid sulfatase, respectively) partially regulate the elevated female myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. This finding was confirmed by treating male and female VICs with endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, factors that are secreted by endothelial cells and known to drive myofibroblast activation through Rho-associated protein kinase signaling. CONCLUSIONS Together, in vivo and in vitro results confirm sex dependencies in myofibroblast activation pathways and implicate genes that escape X-chromosome inactivation in regulating sex differences in myofibroblast activation and subsequent aortic valve stenosis progression. Our results underscore the importance of considering sex as a biological variable to understand the molecular mechanisms of aortic valve stenosis and to help guide sex-based precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cierra J. Walker
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Joseph C. Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Megan E. Schroeder
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Dilara Batan
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Brandon J. Vogt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Jessica A. Schwisow
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Karen S. Moulton
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Donald D. Heistad
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Leslie A. Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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Ambardekar AV, Stratton MS, Dobrinskikh E, Hunter KS, Tatman PD, Lemieux ME, Cleveland JC, Tuder RM, Weiser-Evans MCM, Moulton KS, McKinsey TA. Matrix-Degrading Enzyme Expression and Aortic Fibrosis During Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Mechanical Support. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 78:1782-1795. [PMID: 34711337 PMCID: PMC8562886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of nonphysiological flow generated by continuous-flow (CF) left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) on the aorta remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to quantify indexes of fibrosis and determine the molecular signature of post-CF-LVAD vascular remodeling. METHODS Paired aortic tissue was collected at CF-LVAD implant and subsequently at transplant from 22 patients. Aortic wall morphometry and fibrillar collagen content (a measure of fibrosis) was quantified. In addition, whole-transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing and follow-up immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate CF-LVAD-mediated changes in aortic mRNA and protein expression. RESULTS The mean age was 52 ± 12 years, with a mean duration of CF-LVAD of 224 ± 193 days (range 45-798 days). There was a significant increase in the thickness of the collagen-rich adventitial layer from 218 ± 110 μm pre-LVAD to 410 ± 209 μm post-LVAD (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was an increase in intimal and medial mean fibrillar collagen intensity from 22 ± 11 a.u. pre-LVAD to 41 ± 24 a.u. post-LVAD (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of this increase in fibrosis was greater among patients with longer durations of CF-LVAD support. CF-LVAD led to profound down-regulation in expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase-19 and ADAMTS4, whereas no evidence of fibroblast activation was noted. CONCLUSIONS There is aortic remodeling and fibrosis after CF-LVAD that correlates with the duration of support. This fibrosis is due, at least in part, to suppression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme expression. Further research is needed to examine the contribution of nonphysiological flow patterns on vascular function and whether modulation of pulsatility may improve vascular remodeling and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrut V Ambardekar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
| | - Matthew S Stratton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care and Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kendall S Hunter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Philip D Tatman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Joseph C Cleveland
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rubin M Tuder
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care and Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Medicine and Hypertension, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Timothy A McKinsey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA; Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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9
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Jolly AJ, Lu S, Strand KA, Dubner AM, Mutryn MF, Nemenoff RA, Majesky MW, Moulton KS, Weiser-Evans MCM. Heterogeneous subpopulations of adventitial progenitor cells regulate vascular homeostasis and pathological vascular remodeling. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1452-1465. [PMID: 33989378 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are characterized by chronic vascular dysfunction and provoke pathological remodeling events such as neointima formation, atherosclerotic lesion development, and adventitial fibrosis. While lineage-tracing studies have shown that phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the major cellular component of neointimal lesions, the cellular origins and microenvironmental signaling mechanisms that underlie remodeling along the adventitial vascular layer are not fully understood. However, a growing body of evidence supports a unique population of adventitial lineage-restricted progenitor cells expressing the stem cell marker, stem cell antigen-1 (Sca1; AdvSca1 cells) as important effectors of adventitial remodeling and suggests that they are at least partially responsible for subsequent pathological changes that occur in the media and intima. AdvSca1 cells are being studied in murine models of atherosclerosis, perivascular fibrosis, and neointima formation in response to acute vascular injury. Depending on the experimental conditions, AdvSca1 cells exhibit the capacity to differentiate into SMCs, endothelial cells, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and pro-remodeling cells such as myofibroblasts and macrophages. These data indicate that AdvSca1 cells may be a targetable cell population to influence the outcomes of pathologic vascular remodeling. Important questions remain regarding the origins of AdvSca1 cells and the essential signaling mechanisms and microenvironmental factors that regulate both maintenance of their stem-like, progenitor phenotype and their differentiation into lineage-specified cell types. Adding complexity to the story, recent data indicate that the collective population of adventitial progenitor cells is likely composed of several smaller, lineage-restricted subpopulations which are not fully defined by their transcriptomic profile and differentiation capabilities. The aim of this review is to outline the heterogeneity of Sca1+ adventitial progenitor cells, summarize their role in vascular homeostasis and remodeling, and comment on their translational relevance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Jolly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Keith A Strand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Allison M Dubner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension.,School of Medicine,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101.,Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | | | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension.,School of Medicine,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation.,Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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10
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Lu S, Jolly AJ, Strand KA, Dubner AM, Mutryn MF, Moulton KS, Nemenoff RA, Majesky MW, Weiser-Evans MC. Smooth muscle-derived progenitor cell myofibroblast differentiation through KLF4 downregulation promotes arterial remodeling and fibrosis. JCI Insight 2020; 5:139445. [PMID: 33119549 PMCID: PMC7714399 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident vascular adventitial SCA1+ progenitor (AdvSca1) cells are essential in vascular development and injury. However, the heterogeneity of AdvSca1 cells presents a unique challenge in understanding signaling pathways orchestrating their behavior in homeostasis and injury responses. Using smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage-tracing models, we identified a subpopulation of AdvSca1 cells (AdvSca1-SM) originating from mature SMCs that undergo reprogramming in situ and exhibit a multipotent phenotype. Here we employed lineage tracing and RNA-sequencing to define the signaling pathways regulating SMC-to-AdvSca1-SM cell reprogramming and AdvSca1-SM progenitor cell phenotype. Unbiased hierarchical clustering revealed that genes related to hedgehog/WNT/beta-catenin signaling were significantly enriched in AdvSca1-SM cells, emphasizing the importance of this signaling axis in the reprogramming event. Leveraging AdvSca1-SM–specific expression of GLI-Kruppel family member GLI1 (Gli1), we generated Gli1-CreERT2-ROSA26-YFP reporter mice to selectively track AdvSca1-SM cells. We demonstrated that physiologically relevant vascular injury or AdvSca1-SM cell–specific Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) depletion facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of AdvSca1-SM cells to a profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype rather than macrophages. Surprisingly, AdvSca1-SM cells selectively contributed to adventitial remodeling and fibrosis but little to neointima formation. Together, these findings strongly support therapeutics aimed at preserving the AdvSca1-SM cell phenotype as a viable antifibrotic approach. Smooth muscle cell–derived resident vascular adventitial progenitor cells adopt a myofibroblast phenotype in response to vascular injury and play a dominant role in vascular fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhao Lu
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Austin J Jolly
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Keith A Strand
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Allison M Dubner
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and.,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary Cm Weiser-Evans
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, and.,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Cardio Vascular Pulmonary Research Lab, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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11
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Strand KA, Lu S, Mutryn MF, Li L, Zhou Q, Enyart BT, Jolly AJ, Dubner AM, Moulton KS, Nemenoff RA, Koch KA, LaBarbera DV, Weiser-Evans MCM. High Throughput Screen Identifies the DNMT1 (DNA Methyltransferase-1) Inhibitor, 5-Azacytidine, as a Potent Inducer of PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog): Central Role for PTEN in 5-Azacytidine Protection Against Pathological Vascular Remodeling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:1854-1869. [PMID: 32580634 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our recent work demonstrates that PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is an important regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype. SMC-specific PTEN deletion promotes spontaneous vascular remodeling and PTEN loss correlates with increased atherosclerotic lesion severity in human coronary arteries. In mice, PTEN overexpression reduces plaque area and preserves SMC contractile protein expression in atherosclerosis and blunts Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced pathological vascular remodeling, suggesting that pharmacological PTEN upregulation could be a novel therapeutic approach to treat vascular disease. Approach and Results: To identify novel PTEN activators, we conducted a high-throughput screen using a fluorescence based PTEN promoter-reporter assay. After screening ≈3400 compounds, 11 hit compounds were chosen based on level of activity and mechanism of action. Following in vitro confirmation, we focused on 5-azacytidine, a DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase-1) inhibitor, for further analysis. In addition to PTEN upregulation, 5-azacytidine treatment increased expression of genes associated with a differentiated SMC phenotype. 5-Azacytidine treatment also maintained contractile gene expression and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression after PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) stimulation, suggesting 5-azacytidine blocks PDGF-induced SMC de-differentiation. However, these protective effects were lost in PTEN-deficient SMCs. These findings were confirmed in vivo using carotid ligation in SMC-specific PTEN knockout mice treated with 5-azacytidine. In wild type controls, 5-azacytidine reduced neointimal formation and inflammation while maintaining contractile protein expression. In contrast, 5-azacytidine was ineffective in PTEN knockout mice, indicating that the protective effects of 5-azacytidine are mediated through SMC PTEN upregulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates 5-azacytidine upregulates PTEN expression in SMCs, promoting maintenance of SMC differentiation and reducing pathological vascular remodeling in a PTEN-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Strand
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Sizhao Lu
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Linfeng Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Qiong Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Blake T Enyart
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Austin J Jolly
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Allison M Dubner
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Karen S Moulton
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Keith A Koch
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (B.T.E., K.S.M., K.A.K.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (L.L., Q.Z., D.V.L.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (K.A.S., S.L., M.F.M., A.J.J., A.M.D., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation (B.T.E., K.S.M., R.A.N., K.A.K., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
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12
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Lu S, Strand KA, Mutryn MF, Tucker RM, Jolly AJ, Furgeson SB, Moulton KS, Nemenoff RA, Weiser-Evans MCM. PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) Protects Against Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Induced Pathological Vascular Fibrosis and Remodeling-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 40:394-403. [PMID: 31852223 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pathological vascular remodeling and excessive perivascular fibrosis are major contributors to reduced vessel compliance that exacerbates cardiovascular diseases, for instance, promoting clinically relevant myocardial remodeling. Inflammation plays a significant role in both pathological vascular remodeling and fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that smooth muscle cell-specific PTEN depletion promotes significant vascular fibrosis and accumulation of inflammatory cells. In the current study, we aimed to determine the beneficial role of systemic PTEN elevation on Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced vascular fibrosis and remodeling. Approach and Results: Transgenic mice carrying additional copies of the wild-type Pten gene (super PTEN [sPTEN]) and WT littermates were subjected to Ang II or saline infusion for 14 or 28 days. Compared with WT, Ang II-induced vascular fibrosis was significantly blunted in sPTEN mice, as shown by histochemical stainings and label-free second harmonic generation imaging. The protection against Ang II was recapitulated in sPTEN mice bearing WT bone marrow but not in WT mice reconstituted with sPTEN bone marrow. Ang II-induced elevation of profibrotic and proinflammatory gene expression observed in WT mice was blocked in aortic tissue of sPTEN mice. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry both indicated that perivascular infiltration of T cells and macrophages was significantly inhibited in sPTEN mice. In vitro induction of PTEN expression suppressed Ang II-induced Ccl2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS Systemic PTEN elevation mediates protection against Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and fibrosis predominantly through effects in resident vascular cells. Our data highly support that pharmacological upregulation of PTEN could be a novel and viable approach for the treatment of pathological vascular fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhao Lu
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Keith A Strand
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Marie F Mutryn
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Rebecca M Tucker
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Austin J Jolly
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Seth B Furgeson
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (K.S.M.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (S.L., K.A.S., M.F.M., R.M.T., A.J.J., S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (S.B.F., R.A.N., M.C.M.W.-E.), University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
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13
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Ambardekar AV, Weiser-Evans MCM, Li M, Purohit SN, Aftab M, Reece TB, Moulton KS. Coronary Artery Remodeling and Fibrosis With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support. Circ Heart Fail 2019; 11:e004491. [PMID: 29724722 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.117.004491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary artery fluid dynamics may be altered because of the nonphysiological flow seen in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Our aim was to study the structure and composition of coronary vessels after CF-LVAD. METHODS AND RESULTS Coronary arteries were collected from patients with heart failure (HF) at the time of transplantation, of whom 15 were supported with a CF-LVAD before transplant (HF+LVAD group) and 9 were not (HF non-LVAD group). In addition, coronary samples were obtained from 5 nonfailing age-matched donors (nonfailing group). Histological analysis was performed to quantify coronary morphology, composition, vascular fibrosis, and vasa vasorum density. The age and sex mix of the 3 groups were similar, and the mean duration of LVAD support was 213 days. Compared with patients with HF and nonfailing donors, the arteries from patients with HF+LVAD had expansion of the adventitia, breakdown of the internal elastic lamina, and increased adventitial collagen deposition and density of vasa vasorum. CONCLUSIONS Among patients supported with CF-LVADs, the coronary arteries develop marked remodeling with increased adventitial fibrosis. The physiological consequences of these structural changes are unknown, but it is possible that arterial contractility may be impaired, thus limiting coronary flow reserve and promoting myocardial ischemia. This may contribute to CF-LVAD complications, such as ventricular arrhythmias and right ventricular failure. As more patients receive CF-LVADs and new pump technology attempts to modulate flow profiles and pulsatility, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term sequela of these changes in coronary arteries and other vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrut V Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.V.A., M.L., S.N.P., K.S.M.) .,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (A.V.A., M.C.M.W.-E., K.S.M.)
| | - Mary C M Weiser-Evans
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (A.V.A., M.C.M.W.-E., K.S.M.).,Division of Renal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (M.C.M.W.-E.)
| | - Marcella Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.V.A., M.L., S.N.P., K.S.M.)
| | - Suneet N Purohit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.V.A., M.L., S.N.P., K.S.M.)
| | - Muhammad Aftab
- and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery (M.A., T.B.R.), University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - T Brett Reece
- and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery (M.A., T.B.R.), University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Karen S Moulton
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.V.A., M.L., S.N.P., K.S.M.).,Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation (A.V.A., M.C.M.W.-E., K.S.M.)
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14
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Moulton KS, Li M, Strand K, Burgett S, McClatchey P, Tucker R, Furgeson SB, Lu S, Kirkpatrick B, Cleveland JC, Nemenoff RA, Ambardekar AV, Weiser-Evans MC. PTEN deficiency promotes pathological vascular remodeling of human coronary arteries. JCI Insight 2018; 3:97228. [PMID: 29467331 PMCID: PMC5916252 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.97228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is an essential regulator of the differentiated vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype. Our goal was to establish that PTEN loss promotes SMC dedifferentiation and pathological vascular remodeling in human atherosclerotic coronary arteries and nonatherosclerotic coronary arteries exposed to continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Arteries were categorized as nonatherosclerotic hyperplasia (NAH), atherosclerotic hyperplasia (AH), or complex plaque (CP). NAH coronary arteries from CF-LVAD patients were compared to NAH coronaries from non-LVAD patients. Intimal PTEN and SMC contractile protein expression was reduced compared with the media in arteries with NAH, AH, or CP. Compared with NAH, PTEN and SMC contractile protein expression was reduced in the media and intima of arteries with AH and CP. NAH arteries from CF-LVAD patients showed marked vascular remodeling and reduced PTEN and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in medial SMCs compared with arteries from non-LVAD patients; this correlated with increased medial collagen deposition. Mechanistically, compared with ApoE–/– mice, SMC-specific PTEN-null/ApoE–/– double-knockout mice exhibited accelerated atherosclerosis progression and increased vascular fibrosis. By microarray and validated quantitative RT-PCR analysis, SMC PTEN deficiency promotes a global upregulation of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes. We propose that PTEN is an antiinflammatory, antifibrotic target that functions to maintain SMC differentiation. SMC loss of PTEN results in pathological vascular remodeling of human arteries. PTEN loss correlates with dedifferentiation of smooth muscle cells of human coronary arteries affected with atherosclerosis or exposed to continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcella Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine
| | - Keith Strand
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine
| | - Shawna Burgett
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Rebecca Tucker
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine
| | - Seth B Furgeson
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Sizhao Lu
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Joseph C Cleveland
- School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation.,Department of Surgery
| | - Raphael A Nemenoff
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation.,Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amrut V Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation
| | - Mary Cm Weiser-Evans
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine.,School of Medicine, Consortium for Fibrosis Research and Translation.,Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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15
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Chicco AJ, Mulligan CM, Le CH, Routh MA, Nemr D, Li Puma LC, Linde PE, Bouma GJ, Regan DP, Nakamura MT, Moulton KS. Abstract 228:
FADS2
Regulates Cardiometabolic Risk Phenotypes in Mice. Circ Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1161/res.121.suppl_1.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the
FADS2
gene associate with cardiometabolic risk in humans. Additionally, serum fatty acid profiles reflecting hepatic hyperactivity of the
FADS2
gene product, delta-6 desaturase (D6D), correspond to cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) phenotypes in humans and animal models. D6D catalyzes rate-limiting steps in essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, but its role in the pathogenesis of CMS has not been defined. In the present study, we employed pharmacological and genetic gain- and loss-of-function approaches to investigate the links between D6D activity and CMS phenotypes in mice. Transgenic overexpression (TG) of
FADS2
in normal (FVB) mice modestly increases hepatic D6D protein expression and serum PUFA product/precursor ratios reflecting greater enzyme activity
in vivo
.
FADS2
TG mice develop a mild, but progressive obesity and insulin resistance with age compared to WT mice, as well as elevated serum triglycerides and LDL/HDL and hepatic macrophage infiltration, but not hepatic steatosis. Global
FADS2
ablation prevents obesity/insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat feeding in C57Bl/6J mice, but promotes severe hepatic steatosis. Pharmacological D6D inhibition
in vivo
with SC-26196 (100 mpk 4-8 weeks) ameliorates hepatic inflammation and glucose intolerance in
FADS2
TG mice and leptin-deficient (
ob
) mice, and prevents severe hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in
ldlr
-/-
mice fed an atherogenic diet; despite augmenting hepatic steatosis in all cases. Tissue phospholipid analyses across these models revealed consistent positive relationships between D6D activity, pro-inflammatory eicosanoid accumulation, and a higher phosphatdiylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine (PC/PE) ratio previously linked to increased hepatic VLDL synthesis and release. These studies establish an important role of D6D activity in the development of CMS and inflammation, and reveal novels links with tissue phospholipid class distribution and metabolism relevant to the development an atherogenic serum lipid profile, hepatic lipid homeostasis, and perhaps other aspects of cardiovascular risk currently under investigation in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dina Nemr
- Colorado State Univ, Fort Collins, CO
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16
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McKittrick IB, Bogaert Y, Nadeau K, Snell-Bergeon J, Hull A, Jiang T, Wang X, Levi M, Moulton KS. Urinary matrix metalloproteinase activities: biomarkers for plaque angiogenesis and nephropathy in diabetes. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2011; 301:F1326-33. [PMID: 21921021 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00267.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic complications of nephropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis are associated with vascular remodeling and dysregulated angiogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) modify extracellular matrix during vascular remodeling and are excreted in urine of patients with vascular malformation or tumor angiogenesis. We hypothesized that urinary MMP activities would be sensitive biomarkers for vascular remodeling in diabetic complications. Activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, and its complex with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL/MMP-9) were measured by substrate gel zymography in urine from nondiabetic (ND) and type 1 diabetic (T1D) rodents that were susceptible to both T1D-induced plaque angiogenesis and nephropathy, or nephropathy alone. Additionally, these urine activities were measured in ND and T1D adolescents. Urinary MMP-9, MMP-2, and NGAL/MMP-9 activities were increased and more prevalent in T1D compared with ND controls. Urinary MMP-2 activity was detected in mice with T1D-induced plaque neovascularization. In nephropathy models, urinary NGAL/MMP-9 and MMP-9 activities appeared before onset of albuminuria, whereas MMP-2 was absent or delayed. Finally, urinary MMP activities were increased in adolescents with early stages of T1D. Urinary MMP activities may be sensitive, noninvasive, and clinically useful biomarkers for predicting vascular remodeling in diabetic renal and vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian B McKittrick
- Cardiology Division, Dept. of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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17
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Zhang Y, Naggar JC, Welzig CM, Beasley D, Moulton KS, Park HJ, Galper JB. Simvastatin inhibits angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice: possible role of ERK. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2009; 29:1764-71. [PMID: 19729613 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.109.192609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease affecting almost 10% of the population over age 65. Generation of AAAs by infusion of angiotensin (Ang) II in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice is an animal model which supports an imbalance of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of AAA. The effect of statins on AngII-mediated AAA formation and the associated neovascularization is not known. Here we determined the effect of simvastatin and the ERK inhibitor, CI1040, on AngII-stimulated AAA formation. METHODS AND RESULTS ApoE(-/-) mice infused for 28 days with AngII using osmotic minipumps were treated with placebo, 10 mg/kg/d simvastatin, or 100 mg/kg/d CI1040. 95% of AngII-treated mice developed AAA with neovascularization of the lesion, increased ERK phosphorylation, MCP-1 secretion, and MMP activity. These effects were markedly reversed by simvastatin and in part by CI1040. Furthermore, simvastatin and the ERK inhibitor U0126 reversed AngII-stimulated angiogenesis and MMP secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS These data support the conclusion that simvastatin interferes with AAA formation induced by AngII in ApoE(-/-) mice at least in part via ERK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zhang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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18
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Esko JD, Bishop JR, Passos-Bueno MR, Stanford KI, Yeh E, Witztum JL, Bensadoun A, Moulton KS. Hypertriglyceridemia caused by mutation of the basement membrane proteoglycan Type XVIII collagen. Matrix Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2008.09.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis-related events are a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide, but the mechanisms underlying atherogenesis are not fully understood. We showed in previous studies that the actin-binding protein profilin-1 (pfn) was upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques and in endothelial cells (ECs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL). The present study addressed the role of pfn in atheroma formation. To this end, mice with heterozygous deficiency of pfn,
Pfn
+/−
, were crossed with
Ldlr
−/−
mice. After 2 months under a 1.25% cholesterol atherogenic diet,
Pfn
+/−
Ldlr
−/−
(PfnHet) exhibited a significant reduction in lesion burden compared with
Ldlr
−/−
control mice (PfnWT), whereas total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar in the 2 groups. Relevant atheroprotective changes were identified in PfnHet. When compared with PfnWT, aortas from PfnHet mice showed preserved endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent signaling, and reduced vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression and macrophage accumulation at lesion-prone sites. Similarly, knockdown of pfn in cultured aortic ECs was protective against endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxLDL. Finally, bone marrow–derived macrophages from PfnHet showed blunted internalization of oxLDL and oxLDL-induced inflammation. These studies demonstrate that pfn levels modulate processes critical for early atheroma formation and suggest that pfn heterozygosity confers atheroprotection through combined endothelial- and macrophage-dependent mechanisms.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/physiopathology
- CD36 Antigens/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Female
- Heterozygote
- Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism
- Macrophages/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
- Profilins/genetics
- Profilins/metabolism
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- Vasculitis/metabolism
- Vasculitis/pathology
- Vasculitis/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio R Romeo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review summarizes evidence for several functions of neovascularization in plaque growth that sustain perfusion beyond limits of diffusion from the artery lumen and outer adventitial vasa vasorum, deposit proatherogenic plasma molecules, recruit immune cells and progenitors, and promote intraplaque hemorrhage. Recent approvals of antiangiogenesis drugs for clinical use in cancer and macular degeneration improve the feasibility of testing whether such agents inhibit plaque angiogenesis and incidental atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS Improvements in large and small animal models of atherosclerosis and knowledge of the molecular regulation of angiogenesis in development and disease have advanced understanding of plaque angiogenesis. Genetic modifications of angiogenesis molecules in mouse strains susceptible to atherosclerosis provide experimental means to identify native molecules that regulate plaque angiogenesis. Studies of plaque angiogenesis are aided by micro-computed tomography techniques that image vasa vasorum anatomy in relation to the atheroma. SUMMARY Greater knowledge of plaque angiogenesis regulation is needed to design treatments that target the most critical regulatory pathways. Evolutions in angiogenesis inhibitor treatments for cancer and other diseases call for a need to understand the distinct cardiovascular profiles of different agents to rationally combine agents for optimal selectivity and efficacy in the intended vascular bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Moulton
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Karp Family Research Building 11.212, 1 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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21
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Zeng X, Chen J, Miller YI, Javaherian K, Moulton KS. Endostatin binds biglycan and LDL and interferes with LDL retention to the subendothelial matrix during atherosclerosis. J Lipid Res 2005; 46:1849-59. [PMID: 15995169 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m500241-jlr200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Retention of lipoproteins to proteoglycans in the subendothelial matrix (SEM) is an early event in atherosclerosis. We recently reported that collagen XVIII and its proteolytically released fragment endostatin (ES) are differentially depleted in blood vessels affected by atherosclerosis. Loss of collagen XVIII/ES in atherosclerosis-prone mice enhanced plaque neovascularization and increased the vascular permeability to lipids by distinct mechanisms. Impaired endothelial barrier function increased the influx of lipoproteins across the endothelium; however, we hypothesized that enhanced retention might be a second mechanism leading to the increased lipid content in atheromas lacking collagen XVIII. We now demonstrate a novel property of ES that binds both the matrix proteoglycan biglycan and LDL and interferes with LDL retention to biglycan and to SEM. A peptide encompassing the alpha coil in the ES crystal structure mediates the major blocking effect of ES on LDL retention. ES inhibits the macrophage uptake of biglycan-associated LDL indirectly by interfering with LDL retention to biglycan, but it has no direct effect on the macrophage uptake of native or modified lipoproteins. Thus, loss of ES in advanced atheromas enhances lipoprotein retention in SEM. Our data reveal a third protective role of this vascular basement membrane component during atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Zeng
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Plaque neovascularization is thought to promote atherosclerosis; however, the mechanisms of its regulation are not understood. Collagen XVIII and its proteolytically released endostatin fragment are abundant proteoglycans in vascular basement membranes and the walls of major blood vessels. We hypothesized that collagen XVIII in the aortic wall inhibits the proliferation and intimal extension of vasa vasorum. METHODS AND RESULTS To test our hypothesis, we bred collagen XVIII-knockout (Col18a1(-/-)) mice into the atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) strain. After 6 months on a cholesterol diet, aortas from ApoE(-/-);Col18a1(-/-) and ApoE(-/-);Col18a1(+/-) heterozygote mice showed increased atheroma coverage and enhanced lipid accumulation compared with wild-type littermates. We observed more extensive vasa vasorum and intimal neovascularization in knockout but not heterozygote aortas. Endothelial cells sprouting from Col18a1(-/-) aortas were increased compared with heterozygote and wild-type aortas. In contrast, vascular permeability of large and small blood vessels was enhanced with even heterozygous loss of collagen XVIII but was not suppressed by increasing serum endostatin to wild-type levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify a previously unrecognized function for collagen XVIII that maintains vascular permeability. Loss of this basement membrane proteoglycan enhances angiogenesis and vascular permeability during atherosclerosis by distinct gene-dose-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Moulton
- Vascular Biology Research Program, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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23
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Yu Y, Moulton KS, Khan MK, Vineberg S, Boye E, Davis VM, O'Donnell PE, Bischoff J, Milstone DS. E-selectin is required for the antiangiogenic activity of endostatin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:8005-10. [PMID: 15148373 PMCID: PMC419547 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0402551101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endostatin, a 20-kDa fragment of collagen XVIII, is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. E-selectin, an inducible leukocyte adhesion molecule specifically expressed by endothelial cells, has also been implicated in angiogenesis. By using in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro angiogenic assays, we investigated the functional relationship between endostatin and E-selectin. In corneal micropocket assays, recombinant endostatin administered i.p. by osmotic pump inhibited basic fibroblast growth factor-induced angiogenesis in WT, but not E-selectin-deficient, mice. Similarly, endostatin inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated endothelial sprout formation from aortic rings dissected from WT but not from E-selectin-deficient mice. To further explore this apparent requirement for E-selectin in endostatin action, we manipulated E-selectin expression in cultured human endothelial cells. When E-selectin was induced by IL-1beta, or lipopolysaccharide, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells each became markedly more sensitive to inhibition by endostatin in a vascular endothelial growth factor-induced cell migration assay. To dissociate E-selectin expression from other consequences of endothelial activation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were transduced with an adenoviral human E-selectin expression construct; these cells also showed increased sensitivity to endostatin, and this effect required the E-selectin cytoplasmic domain. Taken together, these results indicate that E-selectin is required for the antiangiogenic activity of endostatin in vivo and ex vivo and confers endostatin sensitivity to nonresponsive human endothelial cells in vitro. E-selectin may be a useful predictor and modulator of endostatin efficacy in antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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24
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Dallabrida SM, Zurakowski D, Shih SC, Smith LE, Folkman J, Moulton KS, Rupnick MA. Adipose tissue growth and regression are regulated by angiopoietin-1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 311:563-71. [PMID: 14623307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue is unique in its plasticity, capacity for vascular remodeling, and susceptibility to angiogenesis inhibitors. We hypothesize that these characteristics are enabled by maintaining relatively immature adipose vessels to facilitate vascular/tissue remodeling. We examined the vascular maturation regulators, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and tie2 receptor, under different weight-modifying conditions. Adipocytes expressed angiopoietin-1, while adipose endothelial cells expressed angiopoietin-2 and tie2. Adipose tissue growth/regression were associated with decreased angiopoietin-1 mRNA and protein, and tie2 phosphorylation. Angiopoietin-2 and tie2 mRNA levels were stable. Angiopoietin-1 mRNA levels inversely correlated with the rates of change in body weight, independent of the direction (weight gain, loss) or etiology (TNP-470, leptin, and diet restriction) of the weight shift. Obese mice injected with ang1/pcDNA had reduced rates of weight gain and fat pad weights, regardless of the route of plasmid administration (subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous). Thus, angiopoietin-1 may regulate adipose tissue growth, suggesting that vascular maturation alters tissue plasticity.
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Vascular Biology, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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26
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Moulton KS, Vakili K, Zurakowski D, Soliman M, Butterfield C, Sylvin E, Lo KM, Gillies S, Javaherian K, Folkman J. Inhibition of plaque neovascularization reduces macrophage accumulation and progression of advanced atherosclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:4736-41. [PMID: 12682294 PMCID: PMC153625 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0730843100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plaque angiogenesis promotes the growth of atheromas, but the functions of plaque capillaries are not fully determined. Neovascularization may act as a conduit for the entry of leukocytes into sites of chronic inflammation. We observe vasa vasorum density correlates highly with the extent of inflammatory cells, not the size of atheromas in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. We show atherosclerotic aortas contain activities that promote angiogenesis. The angiogenesis inhibitor angiostatin reduces plaque angiogenesis and inhibits atherosclerosis. Macrophages in the plaque and around vasa vasorum are reduced, but we detect no direct effect of angiostatin on monocytes. After angiogenesis blockade in vivo, the angiogenic potential of atherosclerotic tissue is suppressed. Activated macrophages stimulate angiogenesis that can further recruit inflammatory cells and more angiogenesis. Our findings demonstrate that late-stage inhibition of angiogenesis can interrupt this positive feedback cycle. Inhibition of plaque angiogenesis and the secondary reduction of macrophages may have beneficial effects on plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Moulton
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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27
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Dallabrida SM, Upton J, Zurakowski D, Folkman J, Moulton KS, Rupnick MA. Adipose tissue remodeling is coordinated with vascular maturation through shifts in angiopoletin-1 expression. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(02)81985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Abstract
Therapeutic angiogenesis trials refer to the stimulation of collateral arterioles and new vascular conduits to perfuse ischemic myocardium and limbs. Atherosclerotic lesions responsible for vascular occlusions themselves are associated with angiogenesis within the vessel wall. Plaque neovascularization is comprised of a network of capillaries that arise from the adventitial vasa vasorum and extend into the intimal layer of atherosclerotic lesions and other types of vascular injury. The functions of these plaque capillaries are proposed to be important regulators of plaque growth and lesion instability. The development of agents that are positive and negative regulators of angiogenesis may have potential therapeutic implications in the progression and acute manifestations of atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the role of plaque angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and discusses the potential therapeutic applications of angiogenesis inhibitors in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Surgical Research, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders 10, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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29
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Angiogenesis plays an integral role in wound healing and tissue remodeling. The authors hypothesized that inhibition of angiogenesis would reduce intraabdominal adhesion formation. METHODS In 98 C57BL6/J mice, a 2-cm midline laparotomy was performed and a 5 mm2 SILASTIC (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) patch fixed to the right side of the peritoneum. Mice were injected with normal saline (n = 54) or TNP-470, an inhibitor of angiogenesis (n = 44; 30 mg/kg every other day over 6 days before surgery until 10 days after surgery). Animals were killed on postoperative days 10, 15, 35, and 55. Adhesions to the SILASTIC (Dow Corning) patch were scored based on their extent, type, and tenacity. Angiogenesis was quantified digitally as the area of vascularized peritoneum over the patch. RESULTS At day 10, when TNP-470 was stopped, the percentage of vascularized peritoneum over the patch was less in treatment animals than in controls (P = .004). At day 35, the patch in treatment animals was completely covered by vascularized peritoneum, similar to controls. Adhesions in TNP-470 animals were reduced at day 10 compared with controls (P<.05) and remained reduced off treatment at day 55. CONCLUSIONS Angiogenesis appears to play an important role in the development of intraabdominal adhesions, because the extent of early neovascularization correlates with adhesion formation. Perioperative treatment with TNP-470, a potent endothelial cell inhibitor, reduced vessel ingrowth over the patch and was associated with a sustained reduction in adhesion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Chiang
- Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
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30
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is characteristic of chronic inflammatory reactions. The process of angiogenesis is reported to be proinflammatory in part due to enhanced adhesion events and in part due to increased perfusion and permeability to sites of inflammation. However, little is known about the association between angiogenesis and rejection. METHODS Severe combined immune deficient mice are permissive for the growth of human skin allografts and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Human PBMC were injected into mice by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection. The infiltration of cells and the associated angiogenesis reactions in the skin allografts were analyzed temporally by videomicroscopy and spatially by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Human alloreactive mononuclear cells migrated to human skin but not mouse skin within hours after the intravenous infusion of PBMC. Within 3 days, areas of angiogenesis were observed in the skin grafts at the sites of infiltrates. The vessel densities in skin grafts were 24+/-6 vessels per calibrated grid at baseline on the day of the infusion and increased to 55+/-16 vessels per calibrated field by day 10. Skin grafts harvested from humanized severe combined immune deficient mice 7-14 days after the intraperitoneal infusion of human PBMC showed a similar increased density of vessels that were spatially associated with mononuclear cell infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS A significant angiogenesis response was associated with the cell infiltrates in the human skin allografts. The onset of angiogenesis appeared after the initial development of localized infiltrates and preceded the development of microvascular destruction. These findings suggest that alloreactive T cells and/or monocytes mediate the angiogenesis response in skin allografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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31
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Moulton KS, Heller E, Konerding MA, Flynn E, Palinski W, Folkman J. Angiogenesis inhibitors endostatin or TNP-470 reduce intimal neovascularization and plaque growth in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Circulation 1999; 99:1726-32. [PMID: 10190883 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.99.13.1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascularization within the intima of human atherosclerotic lesions is well described, but its role in the progression of atherosclerosis is unknown. In this report, we first demonstrate that intimal vessels occur in advanced lesions of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE -/-) mice. To test the hypothesis that intimal vessels promote atherosclerosis, we investigated the effect of angiogenesis inhibitors on plaque growth in apoE -/- mice. METHODS AND RESULTS ApoE -/- mice were fed a 0.15% cholesterol diet. At age 20 weeks, mice were divided into 3 groups and treated for 16 weeks as follows: group 1, recombinant mouse endostatin, 20 mg. kg-1. d-1; group 2, fumagillin analogue TNP-470, 30 mg/kg every other day; and group 3, control animals that received a similar volume of buffer. Average cholesterol levels were similar in all groups. Plaque areas were quantified at the aortic origin. Median plaque area before treatment was 0.250 mm2 (range, 0.170 to 0.348; n=10). Median plaque areas were 0.321 (0.238 to 0.412; n=10), 0.402 (0.248 to 0.533; n=15), and 0.751 mm2 (0.503 to 0.838; n=12) for the endostatin, TNP-470, and control groups, respectively (P</=0.0001). Therefore, endostatin and TNP-470 inhibited plaque growth during the treatment period by 85% and 70%. Intimal smooth muscle cell contents of plaques from control and treated mice were similar. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged treatment with either angiogenesis inhibitor reduced plaque growth and intimal neovascularization in apoE -/- mice. Although the mechanism of plaque inhibition induced by these agents is not established, these results suggest that intimal neovascularization may promote plaque development.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Boston MA, USA.
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32
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Horvai A, Palinski W, Wu H, Moulton KS, Kalla K, Glass CK. Scavenger receptor A gene regulatory elements target gene expression to macrophages and to foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995; 92:5391-5. [PMID: 7777517 PMCID: PMC41700 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.12.5391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription of the macrophage scavenger receptor A gene is markedly upregulated during monocyte to macrophage differentiation. In these studies, we demonstrate that 291 bp of the proximal scavenger receptor promoter, in concert with a 400-bp upstream enhancer element, is sufficient to direct macrophage-specific expression of a human growth hormone reporter in transgenic mice. These regulatory elements, which contain binding sites for PU.1, AP-1, and cooperating ets-domain transcription factors, are also sufficient to mediate regulation of transgene expression during the in vitro differentiation of bone marrow progenitor cells in response to macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Mutation of the PU.1 binding site within the scavenger receptor promoter severely impairs transgene expression, consistent with a crucial role of PU.1 in regulating the expression of the scavenger receptor gene. The ability of the scavenger receptor promoter and enhancer to target gene expression to macrophages in vivo, including foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions, suggests that these regulatory elements will be of general utility in the study of macrophage differentiation and function by permitting specific modifications of macrophage gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Horvai
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0651, USA
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33
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Moulton KS, Semple K, Wu H, Glass CK. Cell-specific expression of the macrophage scavenger receptor gene is dependent on PU.1 and a composite AP-1/ets motif. Mol Cell Biol 1994; 14:4408-18. [PMID: 8007948 PMCID: PMC358812 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.14.7.4408-4418.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The type I and II scavenger receptors (SRs) are highly restricted to cells of monocyte origin and become maximally expressed during the process of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. In this report, we present evidence that SR genomic sequences from -245 to +46 bp relative to the major transcriptional start site were sufficient to confer preferential expression of a reporter gene to cells of monocyte and macrophage origin. This profile of expression resulted from the combinatorial actions of multiple positive and negative regulatory elements. Positive transcriptional control was primarily determined by two elements, located 181 and 46 bp upstream of the major transcriptional start site. Transcriptional control via the -181 element was mediated by PU.1/Spi-1, a macrophage and B-cell-specific transcription factor that is a member of the ets domain gene family. Intriguingly, the -181 element represented a relatively low-affinity binding site for Spi-B, a closely related member of the ets domain family that has been shown to bind with relatively high affinity to other PU.1/Spi-1 binding sites. These observations support the idea that PU.1/Spi-1 and Spi-B regulate overlapping but nonidentical sets of genes. The -46 element represented a composite binding site for a distinct set of ets domain proteins that were preferentially expressed in monocyte and macrophage cell lines and that formed ternary complexes with members of the AP-1 gene family. In concert, these observations suggest a model for how interactions between cell-specific and more generally expressed transcription factors function to dictate the appropriate temporal and cell-specific patterns of SR expression during the process of macrophage differentiation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cell Line
- Cell Nucleus/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- DNA/chemistry
- DNA/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Luciferases/biosynthesis
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Membrane Proteins
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Lipoprotein
- Receptors, Scavenger
- Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic
- Scavenger Receptors, Class B
- Substrate Specificity
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transfection
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0656
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Moulton KS, Wu H, Barnett J, Parthasarathy S, Glass CK. Regulated expression of the human acetylated low density lipoprotein receptor gene and isolation of promoter sequences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1992; 89:8102-6. [PMID: 1518836 PMCID: PMC49864 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.17.8102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The acetylated low density lipoprotein (AcLDL) receptor is expressed on tissue macrophages after their differentiation from monocyte precursors and has been proposed to play a role in the generation of foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions. In the present studies, THP-1 human monocytic leukemia cells were used to investigate mechanisms responsible for expression of the AcLDL receptor gene after treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA). TPA-dependent accumulation of AcLDL receptor mRNA was not detected until after a lag phase of 12 hr and was blocked by concurrent treatment with cycloheximide. In addition, the TPA-dependent induction of AcLDL receptor activity and mRNA levels was inhibited by retinoic acid and dexamethasone treatment. Isolation and sequence analysis of the promoter regions for the human and bovine AcLDL receptor genes indicated high sequence similarity. Binding sites for AP-1 proteins or other known transcription factors were not conserved between the two species, suggesting that novel factors are required for AcLDL receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Moulton
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0656
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