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Han SM, Na HY, Ham O, Choi W, Sohn M, Ryu SH, In H, Hwang KC, Park CG. TCF4-Targeting miR-124 is Differentially Expressed amongst Dendritic Cell Subsets. Immune Netw 2016; 16:61-74. [PMID: 26937233 PMCID: PMC4770101 DOI: 10.4110/in.2016.16.1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that sample their environment and present antigens to naïve T lymphocytes for the subsequent antigen-specific immune responses. DCs exist in a range of distinct subpopulations including plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and classical DCs (cDCs), with the latter consisting of the cDC1 and cDC2 lineages. Although the roles of DC-specific transcription factors across the DC subsets have become understood, the posttranscriptional mechanisms that regulate DC development are yet to be elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in a myriad of biological processes, but their contribution to the immune system is just beginning to surface. In this study, our in-house probe collection was screened to identify miRNAs possibly involved in DC development and function by targeting the transcripts of relevant mouse transcription factors. Examination of DC subsets from the culture of mouse bone marrow with Flt3 ligand identified high expression of miR-124 which was able to target the transcript of TCF4, a transcription factor critical for the development and homeostasis of pDCs. Further expression profiling of mouse DC subsets isolated from in vitro culture as well as via ex vivo purification demonstrated that miR-124 was outstandingly expressed in CD24+ cDC1 cells compared to in pDCs and CD172α+ cDC2 cells. These results imply that miR-124 is likely involved in the processes of DC subset development by posttranscriptional regulation of a transcription factor(s).
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Kim SW, Choi JH, Mukherjee R, Hwang KC, Yun JW. Proteomic identification of fat-browning markers in cultured white adipocytes treated with curcumin. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 415:51-66. [PMID: 26915100 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2676-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that curcumin induces browning of primary white adipocytes via enhanced expression of brown adipocyte-specific genes. In this study, we attempted to identify target proteins responsible for this fat-browning effect by analyzing proteomic changes in cultured white adipocytes in response to curcumin treatment. To elucidate the role of curcumin in fat-browning, we conducted comparative proteomic analysis of primary adipocytes between control and curcumin-treated cells using two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF-MS. We also investigated fatty acid metabolic targets, mitochondrial biogenesis, and fat-browning-associated proteins using combined proteomic and network analyses. Proteomic analysis revealed that 58 protein spots from a total of 325 matched spots showed differential expression between control and curcumin-treated adipocytes. Using network analysis, most of the identified proteins were proven to be involved in various metabolic and cellular processes based on the PANTHER classification system. One of the most striking findings is that hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) was highly correlated with main browning markers based on the STRING database. HSL and two browning markers (UCP1, PGC-1α) were co-immunoprecipitated with these markers, suggesting that HSL possibly plays a role in fat-browning of white adipocytes. Our results suggest that curcumin increased HSL levels and other browning-specific markers, suggesting its possible role in augmentation of lipolysis and suppression of lipogenesis by trans-differentiation from white adipocytes into brown adipocytes (beige).
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Cha MJ, Choi E, Lee S, Song BW, Yoon C, Hwang KC. The microRNA-dependent cell fate of multipotent stromal cells differentiating to endothelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2016; 341:139-46. [PMID: 26854694 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In the endothelial recovery process, bone marrow-derived MSCs are a potential source of cells for both research and therapy, and their capacities to self-renew and to differentiate into all the cell types in the human body make them a promising therapeutic agent for remodeling cellular differentiation and a valuable resource for the treatment of many diseases. Based on the results provided in a miRNA database, we selected miRNAs with unique targets in cell fate-related signaling pathways. The tested miRNAs targeting GSK-3β (miR-26a), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and CD133 (miR-26a and miR-29b) induced MSC differentiation into functional ECs, whereas miRNAs targeting VEGF receptor (miR-15, miR-144, miR-145, and miR-329) inhibited MSC differentiation into ECs through VEGF stimulation. In addition, the expression levels of these miRNAs were correlated with in vivo physiological endothelial recovery processes. These findings indicate that the miRNA expression profile is distinct for cells in different stages of differentiation from MSCs to ECs and that specific miRNAs can function as regulators of endothelialization.
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Song BW, Kim IK, Lee S, Choi E, Ham O, Lee SY, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Chang W, Yoon C, Hwang KC. 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione-based small molecule-induced generation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived functional endothelial cells that facilitate rapid endothelialization after vascular injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:174. [PMID: 26373837 PMCID: PMC4572653 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the success of interventional processes such as drug-eluting stents, complete prevention of restenosis is still hindered by impaired or delayed endothelialization or both. Here, we report that 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione-based small molecule-generated mesenchymal stem cell-derived functional endothelial cells (MDFECs) facilitated rapid transmural coverage of injured blood vessels. Methods Small molecules that induced CD31 expression were screened by principal component analysis (PCA). Rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with selected small molecules for up to 16 days, and the expression levels of CD90 and CD31 were examined by immunocytochemistry. In vitro functional assays of MDFECs, including tube formation assays and nitric oxide production assays, were performed. After MDFECs (intravenous, 3×106 cells per animal) were injected into balloon-injured rats, neointima formation was monitored for up to 21 days. The endothelial coverage of denuded blood vessels was evaluated by Evans Blue staining. The functionality of repaired blood vessels was evaluated by measuring vasorelaxation and hemodynamic changes. Additionally, derivatives of the selected small molecules were examined for their ability to induce endothelial markers. Results PCA indicated that 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione effectively induced MDFECs. MDFECs inhibited the neointima formation of denuded blood vessels by facilitating more rapid endothelialization. Further examination indicated that derivatives with a 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione moiety are important for initiating the endothelial cell differentiation of MSCs. Conclusions Small molecules with 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione as a core structure have great potential to improve the efficacy of MSC-based cell therapy for vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-015-0170-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ham O, Lee SY, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Cha MJ, Choi E, Kim S, Hwang KC. let-7b suppresses apoptosis and autophagy of human mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into ischemia/reperfusion injured heart 7by targeting caspase-3. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:147. [PMID: 26296645 PMCID: PMC4546263 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential for the repair of myocardial injury. The efficacy of MSC therapy for myocardial regeneration mainly depends on the survival of cells after transplantation into the infarcted heart. In the transplanted regions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cell death, and this process depends on caspase activation and autophagosome formation. Methods A Software TargetScan was utilized to search for microRNAs (miRNAs) that target caspase-3 mRNA. Six candidate miRNAs including let-7b were selected and transfected into human MSCs in vitro. Expression of MEK-EKR signal pathways and autophagy-related genes were detected. Using ischemia/reperfusion model (I/R), the effect of MSCs enriched with let-7b was determined after transplantation into infarcted heart area. Miller catheter was used to evaluate cardiac function. Results Here, we report that let-7b targets caspase-3 to regulate apoptosis and autophagy in MSCs exposed to ROS. Let-7b-transfected MSCs (let-7b-MSCs) showed high expression of survival-related proteins, including p-MEK, p-ERK and Bcl-2, leading to a decrease in Annexin V/PI- and TUNEL-positive cells under ROS-rich conditions. Moreover, autophagy-related genes, including Atg5, Atg7, Atg12 and beclin-1, were significantly downregulated in let-7b-MSCs. Using a rat model of acute myocardial infarction, we found that intramyocardial injection of let-7b-MSCs markedly enhanced left ventricular (LV) function and microvessel density, in accordance with a reduced infarct size and the expression of caspase-3. Conclusions Taken together, these data indicate that let-7b may protect MSCs implanted into infarcted myocardium from apoptosis and autophagy by directly targeting caspase-3 signaling.
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Lee S, Yun I, Ham O, Lee SY, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Choi E, Hwang KC. Suppression of miR-181a attenuates H2O2-induced death of mesenchymal stem cells by maintaining hexokinase II expression. Biol Res 2015; 48:45. [PMID: 26283227 PMCID: PMC4539679 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-015-0036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low survival rate of transplanted cells compromises the efficacy of cell therapy. Hexokinase II (HKII) is known to have anti-apoptotic activity through its interaction with mitochondria. The objective was to identify miRNAs targeting HKII and investigate whether miRNA-mediated modulation of HKII could improve the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exposed to H2O2. The expression of HKII in MSCs exposed to H2O2 was evaluated, and HKII-targeting miRNA was screened based on miRNA-target prediction databases. The effect of H2O2 on the expression of the selected HKII-targeting miRNA was examined and the effect of modulation of the selected HKII-targeting miRNA using anti-miRNA on H2O2-induced apoptosis of MSC was evaluated. RESULTS H2O2 (600 μM) induced cell death of MSCs and decreased mitochondrial HKII expression. We have identified miR-181a as a HKII-targeting miRNA and H2O2 increased the expression of miR-181a in MSCs. Delivery of anti-miR-181a, which neutralizes endogenous miR-181a, significantly attenuated H2O2-induced decrease of HKII expression and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, improving the survival of MSCs exposed to H2O2. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that H2O2-induced up-regulation of miR-181a contributes to the cell death of MSCs by down-regulating HKII. Neutralizing miR-181a can be an effective way to prime MSCs for transplantation into ischemic tissues.
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Lee S, Lim S, Ham O, Lee SY, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Yun I, Han SM, Cha MJ, Choi E, Hwang KC. ROS-mediated bidirectional regulation of miRNA results in distinct pathologic heart conditions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 465:349-55. [PMID: 26253469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Under distinct pathological heart conditions, the expression of a single miRNA can display completely opposite patterns. However, the mechanism underlying the bidirectional regulation of a single miRNA and the clinical implications of this regulation remain largely unknown. To address this issue, we examined the regulation of miR-1, one of the most abundant miRNAs in the heart, during cardiac hypertrophy and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Our data indicated that different magnitudes and chronicities of ROS levels in cardiomyocytes resulted in differential expression of miR-1, subsequently altering the expression of myocardin. In animal models, the administration of a miR-1 mimic attenuated cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing the transverse aortic constriction-induced increase in myocardin expression, whereas the administration of anti-miR-1 ameliorated I/R-induced cardiac apoptosis and deterioration of heart function. Our findings indicated that a pathologic stimulus such as ROS can bidirectionally alter the expression of miRNA to contribute to the development of pathological conditions exhibiting distinct phenotypes and that the meticulous adjustment of the pathological miRNA levels is required to improve clinical outcomes.
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Ham O, Lee CY, Kim R, Lee J, Oh S, Lee MY, Kim J, Hwang KC, Maeng LS, Chang W. Therapeutic Potential of Differentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:14961-78. [PMID: 26147426 PMCID: PMC4519882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160714961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible degenerative joint disease. Conventional OA treatments often result in complications such as pain and limited activity. However, transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has several beneficial effects such as paracrine effects, anti-inflammatory activity, and immunomodulatory capacity. In addition, MSCs can be differentiated into several cell types, including chondrocytes, osteocytes, endothelia, and adipocytes. Thus, transplantation of MSCs is a suggested therapeutic tool for treatment of OA. However, transplanted naïve MSCs can cause problems such as heterogeneous populations including differentiated MSCs and undifferentiated cells. To overcome this problem, new strategies for inducing differentiation of MSCs are needed. One possibility is the application of microRNA (miRNA) and small molecules, which regulate multiple molecular pathways and cellular processes such as differentiation. Here, we provide insight into possible strategies for cartilage regeneration by transplantation of differentiated MSCs to treat OA patients.
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Chang W, Kim R, Park SI, Jung YJ, Ham O, Lee J, Kim JH, Oh S, Lee MY, Kim J, Park MS, Chung YA, Hwang KC, Maeng LS. Enhanced Healing of Rat Calvarial Bone Defects with Hypoxic Conditioned Medium from Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Increased Endogenous Stem Cell Migration via Regulation of ICAM-1 Targeted-microRNA-221. Mol Cells 2015; 38:643-50. [PMID: 26062554 PMCID: PMC4507031 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2015.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells may be a feasible approach for regeneration of bone defects through secretion of various components of mesenchymal stem cells such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Mesenchymal stem cells secrete and accumulate multiple factors in conditioned medium under specific physiological conditions. In this study, we investigated whether the conditioned medium collected under hypoxic condition could effectively influence bone regeneration through enhanced migration and adhesion of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells. Cell migration and adhesion abilities were increased through overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in hypoxic conditioned medium treated group. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was upregulated by microRNA-221 in mesenchymal stem cells because microRNAs are key regulators of various biological functions via gene expression. To investigate the effects in vivo, evaluation of bone regeneration by computed tomography and histological assays revealed that osteogenesis was enhanced in the hypoxic conditioned medium group relative to the other groups. These results suggest that behavioral changes of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells through microRNA-221 targeted-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression under hypoxic conditions may be a potential treatment for patients with bone defects.
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Lee S, Choi E, Kim SM, Hwang KC. MicroRNAs as mediators of cardiovascular disease: Targets to be manipulated. World J Biol Chem 2015; 6:34-38. [PMID: 26009702 PMCID: PMC4436904 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v6.i2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death worldwide for the last few decades. Even with the rapid progression of the biomedical field, conquering/managing cardiovascular disease is not an easy task because it is multifactorial disease. One of the key players of the development and progression of numerous diseases is microRNA (miRNA). These small, non-coding RNAs bind to target mRNAs to inhibit translations of and/or degrade the target mRNAs, thus acting as negative regulators of gene expressions. Accumulating evidence indicates that non-physiological expressions of miRNAs contribute to both development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Since even a single miRNA can have multiple targets, dysregulation of miRNAs can lead to catastrophic changes of proteins that may be important for maintaining physiologic conditions of cells, tissues, and organs. Current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease is mostly based on the observational data such as microarray of miRNAs in animal disease models, thus relatively lacking insight of how such dysregulation of miRNAs is initiated and regulated. Consequently, future research should aim to elucidate the more comprehensive mechanisms of miRNA dysregulation during pathogenesis of the cardiovascular system so that appropriate counter-measures to prevent/manage cardiovascular disease can be developed.
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Kim MH, Ham O, Lee SY, Choi E, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Seung M, Choi E, Min PK, Hwang KC. MicroRNA-365 inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells by targeting cyclin D1. J Cell Biochem 2015; 115:1752-61. [PMID: 24819721 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a common feature of disease progression in atherosclerosis. Cell proliferation is regulated by cell cycle regulatory proteins. MicroRNAs (miR) have been reported to act as important gene regulators and play essential roles in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in a cardiovascular disease. However, the roles and mechanisms of miRs in VSMCs and neointimal formation are far from being fully understood. In this study, cell cycle-specific cyclin D1 was found to be a potential target of miR-365 by direct binding. Through an in vitro experiment, we showed that exogenous miR-365 overexpression reduced VSMC proliferation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, while miR-365 was observed to block G1/S transition in platelet-derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-bb)-induced VSMCs. In addition, the proliferation of VSMCs by various stimuli, including PDGF-bb, angiotensin II (Ang II), and serum, led to the downregulation of miR-365 expression levels. The expression of miR-365 was confirmed in balloon-injured carotid arteries. Taken together, our results suggest an anti-proliferative role for miR-365 in VSMC proliferation, at least partly via modulating the expression of cyclin D1. Therefore, miR-365 may influence neointimal formation in atherosclerosis patients.
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Hong S, Lee J, Seo HH, Lee CY, Yoo KJ, Kim SM, Lee S, Hwang KC, Choi E. Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger targeting miR-132 prevents apoptosis of cardiomyocytes under hypoxic condition by suppressing Ca(2+) overload. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 460:931-7. [PMID: 25839659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.03.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
During ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury of the heart, Ca(2+) overload occurs, leading to cardiomyocyte dysfunction and eventual cell death by apoptosis. Since preventing Ca(2+) overload during IR injury has been reported to protect cardiomyocytes, interrupting Ca(2+) signaling cascades leading to Ca(2+) overload may exert protective effect on cardiomyocytes under hypoxic condition. One of the key regulators of the intracellular Ca(2+) level during IR injury is Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger 1 (NCX1), whose down-regulation during IR injury conferred protection of heart. In the present study, we examined whether down-regulation of NCX1 using exogenous microRNA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes under hypoxic condition. Here, we identified miR-132 as a novel microRNA targeting the NCX1, whose expression increased during hypoxia. Delivery of miR-132 suppressed the increase of intracellular Ca(2+) in cardiomyocytes under hypoxia, and the expressions of apoptotic molecules, such as Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase 3, and the number of apoptotic cells were also decreased by exogenous miR-132 treatment. These results suggest the potential of miR-132 as an effective therapeutic agent against IR damage to heart by preventing Ca(2+) overload during hypoxic condition and warrant further studies to validate its anti-apoptotic effect in vivo.
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Lee S, Choi E, Cha MJ, Hwang KC. Cell adhesion and long-term survival of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells: a prerequisite for cell therapy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2015:632902. [PMID: 25722795 PMCID: PMC4333334 DOI: 10.1155/2015/632902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The literature provides abundant evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive resource for therapeutics and have beneficial effects in regenerating injured tissues due to their self-renewal ability and broad differentiation potential. Although the therapeutic potential of MSCs has been proven in both preclinical and clinical studies, several questions have not yet been addressed. A major limitation to the use of MSCs in clinical applications is their poor viability at the site of injury due to the harsh microenvironment and to anoikis driven by the loss of cell adhesion. To improve the survival of the transplanted MSCs, strategies to regulate apoptotic signaling and enhance cell adhesion have been developed, such as pretreatment with cytokines, growth factors, and antiapoptotic molecules, genetic modifications, and hypoxic preconditioning. More appropriate animal models and a greater understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of MSCs will be required for their successful clinical application. Nevertheless, the development of stem cell therapies using MSCs has the potential to treat degenerative diseases. This review discusses various approaches to improving MSC survival by inhibiting anoikis.
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Han S, Sun HM, Hwang KC, Kim SW. Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells: Update on Clinical Utility and Efficacy. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2015; 25:145-52. [DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2015013057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Lee S, Choi E, Cha MJ, Hwang KC. Looking into a conceptual framework of ROS-miRNA-atrial fibrillation. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:21754-76. [PMID: 25431922 PMCID: PMC4284676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151221754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recognized as a major cause of cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent recent additions to the collection of biomolecules involved in arrhythmogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been independently linked to both AF and miRNA regulation. However, no attempts have been made to investigate the possibility of a framework composed of ROS–miRNA–AF that is related to arrhythmia development. Therefore, this review was designed as an attempt to offer a new approach to understanding AF pathogenesis. The aim of this review was to find and to summarize possible connections that exist among AF, miRNAs and ROS to understand the interactions among the molecular entities underlying arrhythmia development in the hopes of finding unappreciated mechanisms of AF. These findings may lead us to innovative therapies for AF, which can be a life-threatening heart condition. A systemic literature review indicated that miRNAs associated with AF might be regulated by ROS, suggesting the possibility that miRNAs translate cellular stressors, such as ROS, into AF pathogenesis. Further studies with a more appropriate experimental design to either prove or disprove the existence of an ROS–miRNA–AF framework are strongly encouraged.
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Choi E, Cha MJ, Hwang KC. Roles of Calcium Regulating MicroRNAs in Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Cells 2014; 3:899-913. [PMID: 25216032 PMCID: PMC4197635 DOI: 10.3390/cells3030899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac Ca2+ cycling and signaling are closely associated with cardiac function. Changes in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis may lead to aberrant cardiac rhythm and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases, due to their exacerbation of heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and participate in regulating diverse biological processes. The emerging evidence indicates that the expression profiles of miRNAs vary among human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac Ca2+-handling and signaling proteins are also regulated by miRNAs. Given the relationship between cardiac Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling and miRNA, Ca2+-related miRNAs may serve as therapeutic targets during the treatment of heart failure. In this review, we summarize the knowledge currently available regarding the role of Ca2+ in cardiac function, as well as changes in Ca2+ cycling and homeostasis and the handling of these processes by miRNAs during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Hwang KC. The Role of MicroRNAs in Vascular Diseases; Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation and De-Differentiation. Korean Circ J 2014; 44:218-9. [PMID: 25089132 PMCID: PMC4117841 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2014.44.4.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Ham O, Lee SY, Song BW, Cha MJ, Lee CY, Park JH, Kim IK, Lee J, Seo HH, Seung MJ, Choi E, Jang Y, Hwang KC. Modulation of Fas-Fas Ligand Interaction Rehabilitates Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ischemic Myocardium Niche. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:1329-41. [PMID: 24823387 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x681748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to repair and regenerate ischemic heart tissue; however, the poor viability of transplanted MSCs in the ischemic region is a major obstacle to their therapeutic use. This cell death is caused by Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) interactions under harsh conditions. To investigate improving the survival and therapeutic effects of MSCs, we focused our research on Fas-FasL-mediated cell death. In this study, we found that the poor viability of transplanted MSCs was caused by Fas-FasL interactions between host ischemic myocardial cells and implanted MSCs. In addition, we found that increased Fas expression and the corresponding decrease of cell survival were in close relation to hypoxic MSCs treated with FasL and H2O2. When MSCs were treated with a recombinant Fas/Fc chimera (Fas/Fc) inhibiting Fas-FasL interactions, the expressions of proapoptotic proteins including caspase-8, caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome-c were attenuated, and the survival of MSCs was recovered. In ischemia-reperfusion injury models, the interaction between FasL in ischemic heart and Fas in implanted MSCs caused a loss of transplanted MSCs, whereas the inhibition of this interaction by Fas/Fc treatment improved cell survival and restored heart function. Thus, our study suggests that Fas-FasL interactions are responsible for activating cell death signaling in implanted stem cells and could be a potential target for improving therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in treating ischemic heart diseases.
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Kim MH, Ham O, Lee SY, Choi E, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Seung M, Choi E, Min PK, Hwang KC, Kwon HM. Abstract 173: MicroRNA-365 Inhibits the Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting Cyclin D1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1161/atvb.34.suppl_1.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a common feature of disease progression in atherosclerosis. Cell proliferation is regulated by cell cycle regulatory proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to act as important gene regulators and play essential roles in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in cardiovascular disease. However, the roles and mechanisms of miRNAs in VSMCs and neointimal formation are far from being fully understood.
Methods & Results:
In this study, cell cycle specific cyclin D1 was found to be a potential target of miR-365 by direct binding. Through an in vitro experiment, we showed that exogenous miR-365 overexpression reduced VSMC proliferation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression, while miR-365 was observed to block G1/S transition in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced VSMCs. In addition, the proliferation of VSMCs by various stimuli, including PDGF, angiotensin II (Ang II), and serum, led to the downregulation of miR-365 expression levels. The expression of miR-365 was confirmed in balloon injured carotid arteries. Taken together, our results suggest an anti-proliferative role for miR-365 in VSMC proliferation, at least partly via modulating the expression of cyclin D1.
Conclusions:
Therefore, miR-365 may influence neointimal formation in atherosclerosis patients.
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Kim MH, Ham O, Lee SY, Choi E, Lee CY, Park JH, Lee J, Seo HH, Seung M, Choi E, Min PK, Hwang KC, Kwon HM. MICRORNA-365 INHIBITS THE PROLIFERATION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS BY TARGETING CYCLIN D1. J Am Coll Cardiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(14)62138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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71
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Lim S, Chang W, Cha MJ, Song BW, Ham O, Lee SY, Lee C, Park JH, Lee SK, Jang Y, Hwang KC. PLCδ1 protein rescues ischemia-reperfused heart by the regulation of calcium homeostasis. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1110-1121. [PMID: 24637455 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial Ca(2+) overload induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a major element of myocardial dysfunction in heart failure. Phospholipase C (PLC) plays important roles in the regulation of the phosphoinositol pathway and Ca(2+) homeostasis in various types of cells. Here, we investigated the protective role of PLCδ1 against myocardial I/R injury through the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis. To investigate its role, PLCδ1 was fused to Hph1, a cell-permeable protein transduction domain (PTD), and treated into rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and rat hearts under respective hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) and ischemia-reperfusion conditions. Treatment with Hph1-PLCδ1 significantly inhibited intracellular Ca(2+) overload, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and mitochondrial membrane potential elevation in H/R neonatal cardiomyocytes, resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis. Intravenous injections of Hph1-PLCδ1 in rats with I/R-injured myocardium caused significant reductions in infarct size and apoptosis and also improved systolic and diastolic cardiac functioning. Furthermore, a small ions profile obtained using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry showed that treatment with Hph1-PLCδ1 leads to significant recovery of calcium-related ions toward normal levels in I/R-injured myocardium. These results suggest that Hph1-PLCδ1 may manifest as a promising cardioprotective drug due to its inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cells suffering from I/R injury.
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Song BW, Chang W, Hong BK, Kim IK, Cha MJ, Lim S, Choi EJ, Ham O, Lee SY, Lee CY, Park JH, Choi E, Song H, Jang Y, Hwang KC. Protein kinase C activation stimulates mesenchymal stem cell adhesion through activation of focal adhesion kinase. Cell Transplant 2013; 22:797-809. [PMID: 23006313 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x656126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has beneficial effects on the injured heart. However, the decreased survival and/or adhesion of MSCs under ischemic conditions limits the application of cell transplantation as a therapeutic modality. We investigated a potential method of increasing the adhesion ability of MSCs to improve their efficacy in the ischemic heart. Treatment of MSCs with PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), increased cell adhesion and spreading in a dose-dependent method and significantly decreased detachment. When MSCs were treated with PKC inhibitor, that is, rottlerin, adhesion of MSCs was slightly diminished, and detachment was also decreased compared to the treatment with PMA. MSCs treated with both PMA and rottlerin behaved similarly to normal controls. In 3D matrix cardio gel, treatment with PMA increased the number of MSCs compared to the control group and MSCs treated with rottlerin. Expressions of focal adhesion kinase, cytoskeleton-associated proteins, and integrin subunits were clearly demonstrated in PMA-treated MSCs by immunoblotting and/or immunocytochemistry. The effect of PKC activator treatment on MSCs was validated in vivo. Following injection into rat hearts, the PMA-treated MSCs exhibited significantly higher retention in infarcted myocardium compared to the MSC group. Infarct size, fibrosis area, and apoptotic cells were reduced, and cardiac function was improved in rat hearts injected with PMA-treated MSCs compared to sham and/or MSC-implanted group. These results indicate that PKC activator is a potential target for niche manipulation to enhance adhesion of MSCs for cardiac regeneration.
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Cho M, Choi E, Kim JH, Kim H, Kim HM, Lee JI, Hwang KC, Kim HJ, Han G. Lactam-Based HDAC Inhibitors for Anticancer Chemotherapy: Restoration of RUNX3 by Posttranslational Modification and Epigenetic Control. ChemMedChem 2013; 9:649-56. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Moon HH, Joo MK, Mok H, Lee M, Hwang KC, Kim SW, Jeong JH, Choi D, Kim SH. MSC-based VEGF gene therapy in rat myocardial infarction model using facial amphipathic bile acid-conjugated polyethyleneimine. Biomaterials 2013; 35:1744-54. [PMID: 24280192 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted much attention in regenerative medicine owing to their apparent usefulness as multi-potent replacement cells. The potential of MSC therapy can be further improved by transforming MSCs with therapeutic genes that maximize the efficacy of gene therapy and their own therapeutic ability. Since most conventional transfection methodologies have shown marginal success in delivering exogenous genes into primary cultured cells, efficient gene transfer into primary MSCs is a prerequisite for the development of MSC-based gene therapy strategies to achieve repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. Herein, facially amphipathic bile acid-modified polyethyleneimine (BA-PEI) conjugates were synthesized and used to transfer hypoxia-inducible vascular endothelial growth factor gene (pHI-VEGF) in MSCs for the treatment of rat myocardial infarction. Under the optimized transfection conditions, the BA-PEI conjugates significantly increased the VEGF protein expression levels in rat MSCs, compared with traditional transfection methods such as Lipofectamine™ and branched-PEI (25 kDa). Furthermore, the prepared pHI-VEGF-engineered MSCs (VEGF-MSCs) resulted in improved cell viability, particularly during severe hypoxic exposure in vitro. The transplantation of MSCs genetically modified to overexpress VEGF by BA-PEI enhanced the capillary formation in the infarction region and eventually attenuated left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. This study demonstrates the applicability of the BA-PEI conjugates for the efficient transfection of therapeutic genes into MSCs and the feasibility of using the genetically engineered MSCs in regenerative medicine for myocardial infarction.
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Shim CY, Song BW, Cha MJ, Hwang KC, Park S, Hong GR, Kang SM, Lee JE, Ha JW, Chung N. Combination of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist and an angiotensin II receptor blocker attenuates myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats. J Diabetes Investig 2013; 5:362-71. [PMID: 25411595 PMCID: PMC4210065 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction We aimed to examine the effect of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐gamma agonist, and their combination on myocardial fibrosis and function in type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Five male Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats and 20 male Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were used. OLETF rats were assigned to four groups (n = 5 per group) at 28 weeks‐of‐age: untreated, losartan‐treated, rosiglitazone‐treated and combination‐treated. The ARB, losartan, was administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day, and the PPAR‐gamma agonist, rosiglitazone, was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 12 weeks. Urine and blood samples were collected, and two‐dimensional echocardiograms and strain rate imaging were obtained at 28 and 40 weeks. Cytokines were evaluated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and histological analysis was carried out at 40 weeks. Results At 40 weeks, the global radial strains of the losartan‐treated (55.7 ± 4.5%, P = 0.021) and combination‐treated groups (59.3 ± 6.7%, P = 0.001) were significantly higher compared with the untreated OLETFs (44.3 ± 10.5%). No difference was observed when compared with LETO rats. Although the rosiglitazone‐treated group showed a better metabolic profile than the untreated OLETF group, there was no difference in the global radial strain (49.8 ± 6.0 vs 44.3 ± 10.5, P = 0.402). The expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and collagen type I and III were consistently attenuated in the losartan‐treated and combination‐treated OLETF groups, but not in the rosiglitazone‐treated group. Conclusions A combination of rosiglitazone and losartan attenuates myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats.
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