ADAMTS7 locus confers high cross-race risk for development of coronary atheromatous plaque

ECM Microenvironment in Vascular Homeostasis: New Targets for Atherosclerosis

Alterations in vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) components, interactions, and mechanical properties influence both the formation and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. This review discusses the contribution of the ECM microenvironment in vascular homeostasis and remodeling in atherosclerosis, highlighting Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and its degrading enzyme ADAMTS7 as examples, and proposes potential avenues for future research aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis based on the ECM microenvironment.

Association of polymorphisms in ADAMTS-7 gene with the susceptibility to coronary artery disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To systematically review literature evidence to discover the association of ADAMTS7 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin-like motifs 7) polymorphisms and the risk of developing CAD (coronary artery disease).

Data sources: A related literature search in online databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science was undertaken. The period covered was from 2007 to September 10, 2019.

Results: Of 256 citations retrieved, nine relevant studies were selected for detailed evaluation. Five SNPs (rs3825807, rs1994016, rs4380028, rs79265682, and rs28455815) in ADAMTS7 gene were identified among included studies. There were 51,851 cases and 89,998 controls included in four studies for SNP rs3825807, 13,403 cases and 11,381 controls included in two studies for SNP rs1994016, 37,838 cases and 38,245 controls included in two studies for SNP rs4380028, 3,133 cases and 5,423 controls included in one study for SNP rs79265682, 103,494 cases and 198,684 controls included in one study for SNP rs28455815. We found most consistent evidence for an association with CAD on coronary angiogram with ADAMTS7 SNP rs3825807 risk allele A in contrast to control G allele, followed by rs4380028 (C vs. T allele), and rs1994016 (C vs. T allele).

Conclusions: ADAMTS7 polymorphism is likely an important risk factor for development of CAD. Our data also suggest that the ADAMTS7 polymorphism may be a risk factor for CAD progression in patients who already have pathology in their coronary arteries.

Review methods: We included all studies in English language that reported correlation between the ADAMTS7 polymorphism and CAD in human cases.

Genetic variants of ADAMTS7 confer risk for ischaemic stroke in the Chinese population

Large-scale genome-wide association analyses show an association between ADAMTS7 variations and coronary risk. However, the link between ADAMTS7 variability and ischaemic stroke (IS) has yet to be determined. This study evaluated ADAMTS7 variants with respect to the risk of IS. Genetic association analyses were performed in two independent case-control cohorts with 1279 patients with IS and 1268 age-matched healthy controls. Four variant genotypes of the ADAMTS7 gene were identified using the Multiplex SNaPshot assay. The rs3825807, rs11634042, and rs7173743 variants of ADAMTS7 were related to lower IS risk in both initial and replication cohort. The G-T-T-C and G-T-C-C haplotypes are significantly less prevalent in the IS group than in the control group. Further stratification according to IS subtypes indicated that carriers with the variant alleles of the rs3825807, rs11634042 and rs7173743 variants of ADAMTS7conferred a lower risk of developing large-artery atherosclerosis stroke subtype. Also, the mutated rs3825807 G allele, as well as the mutated rs11634042 T allele of ADAMTS7, are linked to a significant reduction of ADAMTS7 in patients with IS. Our findings confirm the role of ADAMTS7 in the pathophysiology of IS, with potentially significant implications for the prevention, treatment, and development of novel therapies for IS.

Upregulation of ADAMTS‑7 and downregulation of COMP are associated with spontaneous abortion

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 7 (ADAMTS-7) has been revealed to serve an important role in inflammation-associated diseases. However, the role of ADAMTS-7 in spontaneous abortion (SA) remains unclear. In the present study, human and mouse decidual tissues were used to detect the expression of ADAMTS-7 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced abortion (10 mice/group), and in SA humans and the corresponding control group (21 participants in the SA group and 15 participants in the control group). The results revealed that ADAMTS-7 expression was upregulated and that COMP expression was downregulated in the mouse decidual tissue of the LPS-induced abortion group, when compared with that of the normal control group. The results were further confirmed by western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, which revealed increased ADAMTS-7 and decreased COMP expression at the protein and mRNA levels in mice treated with LPS. Additionally, the expression of ADAMTS-7 was negatively correlated with the expression of COMP in mice, with a correlation coefficient of −0.936 (P<0.001). In addition, the expression of ADAMTS-7 and COMP exhibited was similar in the decidual tissue of SA patients when compared with the levels observed in the tissues of the normal control participants, as demonstrated by increased ADAMTS-7 expression and decreased COMP expression. Western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that ADAMTS-7 was increased and COMP was decreased in the decidual tissue of SA subjects. The correlation analysis of ADAMTS-7 and COMP in human decidual tissue also revealed a similar result, with a correlation coefficient of −0.836 (P<0.001). The results of the present study demonstrated that ADAMTS-7 was upregulated and COMP was downregulated in the decidual tissues of humans and mice with SA, and a negative correlation was identified between the expression levels of ADAMTS-7 and COMP, thereby providing novel evidence for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SA, which may lead to improvements in the clinical pregnancy outcomes of these individuals.

Association of serum ADAMTS7 levels and genetic variant rs1994016 with acute coronary syndrome in a Chinese population: A case control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is commonly caused by rupture or erosion of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and secondary thrombus formation. Metalloproteinase ADAMTS7 was found to play an important role in atherogenesis. This study aimed to explore the association of serum ADAMTS7 levels and rs1994016 polymorphism at ADAMTS7 locus with ACS in a Chinese population.

METHODS

1881 patients who underwent coronary angiography were consecutively recruited. Among them, 426 patients were matched for case-controlled analysis. Serum ADAMTS7 levels were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rs1994016 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Serum ADAMTS7 levels in patients with unstable angina pectoris were much higher than in non-atherosclerotic patients, however, no difference was found among non-atherosclerotic patients, the coronary atherosclerosis subgroup and stable angina pectoris subgroup. A higher serum ADAMTS7 level was found in the ACS group than in the non-ACS group (0.61 ± 0.04 vs. 0.47 ± 0.02 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and serum ADAMTS7 level was found to be an independent risk factor for ACS after adjusting for major confounding factors (OR:2.81, 95% CI:1.33-5.93, p = 0.007). ADAMTS7 rs1994016 CT/TT polymorphism was negatively associated with the risk of ACS (OR:0.40, 95% CI:0.22-0.71, p = 0.002). Meanwhile, crossover analysis revealed that in CT/TT homozygotes, ACS risk was reduced nearly 80% in patients with serum ADAMTS7 levels <0.594 ng/mL (Interaction p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum level of ADAMTS7 was positively associated and rs1994016 CT/TT genotype was negatively associated with the risk of ACS. Patients with lower serum ADAMTS7 level and rs1994016 CT/TT genotype are less likely to suffer from ACS in a Chinese population.

ADAMTS proteins in human disorders

ADAMTS proteins are a superfamily of 26 secreted molecules comprising two related, but distinct families. ADAMTS proteases are zinc metalloendopeptidases, most of whose substrates are extracellular matrix (ECM) components, whereas ADAMTS-like proteins lack a metalloprotease domain, reside in the ECM and have regulatory roles vis-à-vis ECM assembly and/or ADAMTS activity. Evolutionary conservation and expansion of ADAMTS proteins in mammals is suggestive of crucial embryologic or physiological roles in humans. Indeed, Mendelian disorders or birth defects resulting from naturally occurring ADAMTS2, ADAMTS3, ADAMTS10, ADAMTS13, ADAMTS17, ADAMTS20, ADAMTSL2 and ADAMTSL4 mutations as well as numerous phenotypes identified in genetically engineered mice have revealed ADAMTS participation in major biological pathways. Important roles have been identified in a few acquired conditions. ADAMTS5 is unequivocally implicated in pathogenesis of osteoarthritis via degradation of aggrecan, a major structural proteoglycan in cartilage. ADAMTS7 is strongly associated with coronary artery disease and promotes atherosclerosis. Autoantibodies to ADAMTS13 lead to a platelet coagulopathy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is similar to that resulting from ADAMTS13 mutations. ADAMTS proteins have numerous potential connections to other human disorders that were identified by genome-wide association studies. Here, we review inherited and acquired human disorders in which ADAMTS proteins participate, and discuss progress and prospects in therapeutics.

Genetic Variation at the ADAMTS7 Locus is Associated With Reduced Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide association studies identified ADAMTS7 as a risk locus for coronary artery disease (CAD). Functional studies suggest that ADAMTS7 may promote cellular processes in atherosclerosis. We sought to examine the association between genetic variation at ADAMTS7 and measures of atherosclerosis using histological, angiographic, and clinical outcomes data.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The lead CAD-associated single-nucleotide polymorphism rs3825807 at the ADAMTS7 locus was genotyped. The G allele (reduced ADAMTS7 function) was associated with a smaller fibrous cap (P=0.017) and a smaller percentage area of α-actin (smooth muscle cell marker) in the intima (P=0.017), but was not associated with calcification or plaque thickness, following ex vivo immunohistochemistry analysis of human coronary plaques (n=50; mean age 72.2±11.3). In two independent cohorts (Southampton Atherosclerosis Study [n=1359; mean age 62.5±10.3; 70.1% men] and the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank [EmCAB; n=2684; mean age 63.8±11.3; 68.7% men]), the G allele was associated with 16% to 19% lower odds of obstructive CAD (Southampton Atherosclerosis Study: odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.98; EmCAB: odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.95) with similar effects for multivessel, left anterior descending, and proximal CAD. Furthermore, each copy of the G allele was associated with lower angiographic severity Gensini score (Southampton Atherosclerosis Study, P=0.026; EmCAB, P<0.001), lower Sullivan Extent score (Southampton Atherosclerosis Study, P=0.029; EmCAB, P<0.001), and a 23% lower risk of incident revascularization procedures (EmCAB: hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.98). There were no associations with all-cause mortality or incident myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variation at the ADAMTS7 locus is associated with several complementary CAD phenotypes, supporting the emerging role of ADAMTS7 in atherosclerosis and may represent a potential drug target.

Upregulation of ADAMTS‑7 and downregulation of COMP are associated with aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm (AA) remains a fatal condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and the associated underlying mechanism influencing its pathology remains to be elucidated. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-7 has previously been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular atherosclerosis via degradation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The ADAMTS-7/COMP pathway may therefore act as a potential therapeutic target for vascular disorders. To the best of the author's knowledge, the present study aimed to investigate for the first time, the expression of ADAMTS-7 and COMP in human AA. Human aortic aneurysm samples were collected from patients with AA (n=24), and ascending aorta control samples were harvested from dilated cardiomyopathy patients who underwent heart transplantation (n=18). Expression levels of ADAMTS-7 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly increased in the AA group, as detected by immunohistochemistry (P<0.05). The COMP protein level was markedly decreased in the AA group when compared with the control group, as demonstrated via immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis (P<0.05). The findings suggest that upregulation of ADAMTS-7 and downregulation of COMP are associated with induction of human AA. ADAMTS-7/COMP pathway may provide therefore act as a potential therapeutic target in human AA for efficient, optimal treatment interventions in the future.

Genetic variants rs1994016 and rs3825807 in ADAMTS7 affect its mRNA expression in atherosclerotic occlusive peripheral arterial disease

AIM

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular disease affecting peripheral circulation. Recently, genome-wide association studies revealed a relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAMTS7 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motif 7) and atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to determine ADAMTS7 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the frequency of ADAMTS7 rs1994016 and rs3825807 polymorphisms in a sample of Turkish patients with PAD, and to evaluate the association of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels with PAD development.

METHODS

In this case-control study, ADAMTS7mRNA and protein expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively, and rs1994016 and rs3825807 variants in ADAMTS7 were determined by real-time PCR in 115 PAD patients and 116 healthy controls. Plasma levels of nine MMPs were determined using a multiplex immunoassay system.

RESULTS

ADAMTS7mRNA levels were significantly higher in PAD patients than in controls (t=-2.75, P=.007). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of rs1994016 and rs3825807 between PAD patients and controls (P>.05). In PAD patients, ADAMTS7mRNA levels were significantly increased for the CC genotype of rs1994016 (t=-2.31, P=.026) and TT genotype of rs3825807 (t=-2.23, P=.032). Furthermore, plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13 were significantly higher in PAD patients than in controls (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the relationship between PAD and ADAMTS7 expression and the effects of the rs1994016 and rs3825807 variants on PAD development. ADAMTS7 may be associated with PAD development.

The Function and Roles of ADAMTS-7 in Inflammatory Diseases

The ADAMTS proteinases are a group of multidomain and secreted metalloproteinases containing the thrombospondin motifs. ADAMTS-7 is a member of ADAMTS family and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. Overexpression of ADAMTS-7 gene promotes the breakdown of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) matrix and accelerates the progression of both surgically induced osteoarthritis and collagen-induced arthritis. Moreover, ADAMTS-7 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) form a positive feedback loop in osteoarthritis. More significantly, granulin-epithelin precursor, a growth factor has important roles in bone development and bone-associated diseases, disturbs the interaction between ADAMTS-7 and COMP, and prevents COMP degradation. This review is based on our results and provides an overview of current knowledge of ADAMTS-7, including its structure, function, gene regulation, and inflammatory diseases involvement.