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Xu X, Yi M, Xiao C, Yang J, Guo J, Zhou W, Zhou K, Hu L, Lan L, Fan Y. IGF-1 Provides Protective Role in Arteriosclerotic Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Hypertension 2025; 82:1137-1150. [PMID: 40248881 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.124.24341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/19/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension and advanced age are risk factors for arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), a common cause of vascular dementia in elderly individuals. Circulating IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels decrease with age and are linked to age-related cognitive impairment. This study assessed the relationship between serum IGF-1 and arteriosclerotic cSVD severity in patients and the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of exogenous IGF-1 supplementation in a cSVD rat model. METHODS Serum and magnetic resonance images were collected from healthy subjects (n=26) and patients with arteriosclerotic cSVD (n=86). Stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive rats were used as cSVD animal models and subjected to the Morris water maze test, magnetic resonance imaging, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis. Human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line was utilized to validate the underlying mechanisms in vitro. RESULTS Serum IGF-1 concentration was significantly reduced in patients and rats with arteriosclerotic cSVD. Lower serum IGF-1 was associated with an increased cSVD burden and cognitive impairment. Compared with cSVD rats, IGF-1-treated rats had lighter white matter lesions, greater global cerebral blood flow, greater cerebrovascular density, less blood-brain barrier leakage, and better cognitive function. In vitro, IGF-1 administration promoted endothelial proliferation, migration, tube formation, and barrier function. Mechanistically, IGF-1 exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the IGF-1R (IGF-1 receptor)/Wnt7b (Wnt family member 7b)/β-catenin pathway in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Low serum IGF-1 was associated with greater arteriosclerotic cSVD severity. IGF-1 treatment improved cerebral perfusion, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cognitive function in cSVD rats by activating the IGF-1R/Wnt7b/β-catenin pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with arteriosclerotic cSVD, particularly those with low IGF-1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Xu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine (X.X.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi Xiao
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Guo
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenli Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuting Hu
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linfang Lan
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Fan
- Department of Neurology, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases (X.X., M.Y., C.X., J.Y., J.G., W.Z., K.Z., L.H., L.L., Y.F.), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Chen F, Deng Z, Wang X, Liu Y, Zhao K, Zhang Y, He S, Ran R, Dong Y, Guo S, Zhou Y, Zhou B, Pang P, Ge W, Liu C, Shan H, He H. DDX24 spatiotemporally orchestrates VEGF and Wnt signaling during developmental angiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2417445122. [PMID: 40339127 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2417445122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025] Open
Abstract
Vascular development is a precisely controlled process, yet how it is spatiotemporally orchestrated remains enigmatic. We previously identified DEAD-box RNA helicase 24 (DDX24) as a pathogenic gene for multiorgan vascular anomalies. Here, we show that DDX24 is expressed in the endothelium during embryonic angiogenesis in zebrafish. DDX24 deficiency causes intersegmental vessel hyperbranching in the trunk, but inhibits central artery angiogenesis in the brain. Mechanistically, DDX24 deficiency enhances VEGFR2 expression by direct binding to its mRNA in nonbrain endothelial cells (ECs), while suppressing GPR124/RECK-mediated Wnt signaling in brain ECs. Additionally, spatial transcriptome analysis profiles DDX24-mediated crosstalk between ECs and neighboring cells. Finally, pharmacological targeting of these two pathways in a temporal manner can rescue the phenotypes induced by DDX24 deficiency. Overall, our findings highlight an essential role for DDX24 in the spatiotemporal regulation of developmental angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbin Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhaohua Deng
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuxuan Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Kaichen Zhao
- College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Simeng He
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Rensen Ran
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yingying Dong
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yitong Zhou
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Pengfei Pang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa 999078, Macau, China
| | - Chang Liu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
- Shanxi Medical University-BGI Collaborative Center for Future Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
- Shenzhen Proof-of-Concept Center of Digital Cytopathology, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Huanhuan He
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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3
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Bagger SM, Schihada H, Walser ALS, Drzazga AK, Grätz L, Palmisano T, Kuhn CK, Mavri M, Mølleskov-Jensen AS, Tall GG, Schöneberg T, Mathiasen SJ, Javitch JA, Schulte G, Spiess K, Rosenkilde MM. Complex G-protein signaling of the adhesion GPCR, ADGRA3. J Biol Chem 2025; 301:108441. [PMID: 40127866 PMCID: PMC12059339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/26/2025] Open
Abstract
ADGRA3 (GPR125) is an orphan adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) involved in planar cell polarity, primarily through recruitment of the signaling components disheveled (DVL) during vertebrate gastrulation and discs large homolog 1, implicated in cancer. Limited knowledge exists of the canonical G protein-coupled receptor pathways downstream of ADGRA3. Here, we employed a series of human cell line-based signaling assays to gain insight into the G protein-mediated signaling of ADGRA3. We designed ADGRA3 constructs based on transcript variant analysis in publicly available human liver and brain RNA-seq datasets. Cleavage in the GPCR autoproteolysis site (GPS) is an aGPCR hallmark; thus, we generated a truncated ADGRA3 (C-terminal fragment, CTF) corresponding to a potential cleavage at the GPS. We found low-level activation of Gi and Gs by ADGRA3 and slightly more by its CTF. As the N terminus of the CTF constitutes a class-defined tethered agonist (so-called stachel peptide), we removed the initial three amino acids of the CTF. This resulted in abrogated G protein-mediated signaling, as observed for other aGPCRs. Due to the central role of ADGRA3 in planar cell polarity signaling through DVL recruitment, we investigated the G-protein signaling in the absence of DVL1-3 and found it sustained. No transcriptional activation was observed in an assay of downstream β-catenin activity. Collectively, this establishes classical G protein-mediated signaling for ADGRA3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie M Bagger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna L S Walser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna K Drzazga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lukas Grätz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tiago Palmisano
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christina K Kuhn
- Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maša Mavri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann-Sophie Mølleskov-Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregory G Tall
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Signe J Mathiasen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Spiess
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette M Rosenkilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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4
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Heiden R, Hannig L, Bernhard JS, Vallon M, Schlecht A, Hofmann N, Ergün S, Hoschek F, Wagner M, Neueder A, Förster CY, Braunger BM. Tissue origin of endothelial cells determines immune system modulation and regulation of HIF-1α-, TGF-β-, and VEGF signaling. iScience 2025; 28:111740. [PMID: 39925414 PMCID: PMC11804623 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions of vascular endothelial cells in the central nervous system form the blood-brain and inner blood-retinal barriers, the integrity of which are further influenced by neighboring cells such as pericytes, astrocytes/Müller glial processes, and immune cells. In addition, the retina is shielded from the fenestrated endothelium of the choriocapillaris by the epithelial barrier of the retinal pigment epithelium. Dysfunction of the blood retinal barriers and/or proliferation of retinal and choroidal endothelial cells are caused by late stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), the main causes of blindness in western countries. To elucidate endothelial-derived pathomechanisms in DR and nAMD, we established immortalized mouse cell lines of retinal and choroidal endothelial cells and immortalized brain endothelial cells as CNS-derived controls. We then used immunofluorescence staining, state-of-the-art long-range RNA sequencing and monolayer permeability assays to compare the functional state of these cells depending on their tissue origin. We furthermore demonstrate that activation of the wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway restored blood brain/retinal barrier properties in brain and retinal endothelial cells, but unexpectedly increased permeability of choroidal endothelial cells. Transcriptome profiling showed that depending on the tissue origin of endothelial cells, regulation of the immune system was altered and pathways such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1/2α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were differentially regulated, strongly indicating their contribution in the molecular pathogenesis of DR and nAMD. These findings significantly increase the understanding of the vascular biology of endothelial cells, highlighting the fact that depending on their tissue origin, their contribution to vascular pathologies varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Heiden
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Hannig
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob S. Bernhard
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Vallon
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nico Hofmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Hoschek
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wagner
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas Neueder
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Y. Förster
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara M. Braunger
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Qin Y, Liao S, Sun J, Ye H, Li J, Pan J, He J, Xia Z, Shao Y. RECK as a Potential Crucial Molecule for the Targeted Treatment of Sepsis. J Inflamm Res 2025; 18:1787-1813. [PMID: 39931174 PMCID: PMC11809362 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s501856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Reversion inducing cysteine rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK), a Kazal motif-containing protein, regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines production, migration of inflammatory cells, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Wnt pathways and plays critical roles in septic inflammatory storms and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Recently, RECK has been defined as the negative regulator of adisintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are both membrane "molecular scissors" and aggravate the poor prognosis of sepsis. To better understand the roles of RECK and the related mechanisms, we make here a systematic and in-depth review of RECK. We first summarize the findings on structural characteristics of RECK protein and the regulation at the transcription, post-transcription, or protein level of RECK. Then, we discuss the roles of RECK in inflammation, infection, and vascular injury by focusing on the RECK function on ADAMs and MMPs, as well as the pathways of VEGF, WNT, angiopoietin, and notch signaling. In conclusion, RECK participation as a guardian in the development of sepsis provides insight into the strategies of precisely intervening in RECK dysregulationfor the treatment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Qin
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuanglin Liao
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Sun
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiyun Ye
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiafu Li
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Pan
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junbing He
- The Key Laboratory of Organ Dysfunction and Protection Translational Medicine, Jieyang Medical Research Center, Jieyang People’s Hospital, Jieyang, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiming Shao
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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6
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Lei Y, Hu J, Zhao J, Liu Q, Zhang SW, Wu F, Liu Y, Ren H, Qin X, Wu X, Gao F, Hu J, Ouyang K, Liu Q, Zheng X, Shi L, Wang X. Deubiquitinase USP9X controls Wnt signaling for CNS vascular formation and barrier maintenance. Dev Cell 2025:S1534-5807(25)00029-2. [PMID: 39909046 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2025.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
Deubiquitinating enzymes play crucial roles in various cellular activities, yet their involvement in central nervous system (CNS) vascularization and barrier function remains elusive. Canonical Wnt signaling is essential for proper CNS vascularization and barrier maintenance. Using a loss-of-function screening for Wnt-signaling activity, we identified ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9 X-linked (USP9X) as a key regulator in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Endothelium-specific Usp9x knockout mice exhibit reduced Wnt-signaling activity, compromising CNS vascularization and barrier function during development. Activation of Wnt signaling rescues these defects. Mechanistically, we identified β-catenin as a direct substrate of USP9X, with USP9X catalyzing K48 polyubiquitin chains to stabilize β-catenin. In pathological mouse models of impaired CNS vascular barrier function, including intracerebral hemorrhage and an oxygen-induced retinopathy, loss of Usp9x intensifies barrier disruption, accentuating defects. This finding implicates USP9X as a critical regulator of CNS vascularization and barrier function through Wnt signaling, offering insights into CNS disease implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jiandong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jiyun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Qiangyun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Selena Wei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Fangfang Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yuming Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Honglei Ren
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xiaoyang Qin
- Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xudong Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Organ Homeostasis, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kunfu Ouyang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, Ministry of Education International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases, Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
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7
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Sebo DJ, Ali I, Fetsko AR, Trimbach AA, Taylor MR. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin in neural progenitor cells regulates blood-brain barrier development and promotes neuroinflammation. Sci Rep 2025; 15:3496. [PMID: 39875426 PMCID: PMC11775206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) requires specialized blood vessels to support neural function within specific microenvironments. During neurovascular development, endothelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for BBB development within the brain parenchyma, whereas fenestrated blood vessels that lack BBB properties do not require Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Here, we used zebrafish to further characterize this phenotypic heterogeneity of the CNS vasculature. Using transgenic reporters of Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity, we found an inverse correlation between activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) versus non-ECs within these distinct microenvironments. Our results indicated that the level of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in non-ECs may regulate Wnt/β-catenin activity in adjacent ECs. To further test this concept, we generated a transgenic Tet-On inducible system to drive constitutively active β-catenin expression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). We found that dose-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin in NPCs caused severe deficiency in CNS angiogenesis and BBB development. Additionally, we discovered a significant increase in the proliferation of microglia and infiltration of peripheral neutrophils indicative of a stereotypical neuroinflammatory response. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the importance of proper Wnt/β-catenin signaling within specific CNS microenvironments and highlights the potentially deleterious consequences of aberrant Wnt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Irshad Ali
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Audrey R Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aubrey A Trimbach
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael R Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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8
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Lee NJ, Parab S, Lam AE, Leong JX, Matsuoka RL. Angiogenic mechanisms governing the segregation of blood-brain barrier and fenestrated capillaries derived from a multipotent cerebrovascular niche. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2024.12.10.627641. [PMID: 39868183 PMCID: PMC11760744 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.10.627641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
Cerebrovascular endothelial cell (EC) subtypes characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties or fenestrated pores are essential components of brain-blood interfaces, supporting brain function and homeostasis. To date, the origins and developmental mechanisms underlying this heterogeneous EC network remain largely unclear. Using single-cell-resolution lineage tracing in zebrafish, we discover a multipotent vascular niche at embryonic capillary borders that generates ECs with BBB or fenestrated molecular identity. RNAscope analysis demonstrates restricted expression of flt4 in sprouting ECs contributing to fenestrated choroid plexus (CP) vasculature, identifying an early molecular distinction from adjacent BBB vessels. Mechanistically, flt4 null and cytoplasmic-domain-deletion mutants exhibit CP vascularization defects when combined with vegfr2 zebrafish paralog deletion. Pharmacological results support this co-requirement of Flt4 and Vegfr2 signaling and suggest the PI3K and ERK pathways as downstream effectors. These findings reveal a specialized developmental origin for BBB and fenestrated EC subtypes, and establish Flt4 as a crucial guidance receptor mediating their angiogenic segregation.
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9
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Lin HH. An Alternative Mode of GPCR Transactivation: Activation of GPCRs by Adhesion GPCRs. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:552. [PMID: 39859266 PMCID: PMC11765499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26020552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Revised: 12/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), critical for cellular communication and signaling, represent the largest cell surface protein family and play important roles in numerous pathophysiological processes. Consequently, GPCRs have become a primary focus in drug discovery efforts. Beyond their traditional G protein-dependent signaling pathways, GPCRs are also capable of activating alternative signaling mechanisms, including G protein-independent signaling, biased signaling, and signaling crosstalk. A particularly novel signaling mode employed by these receptors is GPCR transactivation, which enables cross-communication between GPCRs and other receptor types. Intriguingly, GPCR transactivation by distinct GPCRs has also been identified. In this review, I provide an overview of the known GPCR transactivation mechanisms and explore recently uncovered GPCR transactivation mediated by adhesion-class GPCRs (aGPCRs). These aGPCR-GPCR transactivation processes regulate unique cell type-specific functions, offering an exciting opportunity to develop therapies that precisely modulate specific GPCR-mediated biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Hsien Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; ; Tel.: +886-03-2118800-3321
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Keelung, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
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10
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Bruguera ES, Mahoney JP, Weis WI. The co-receptor Tetraspanin12 directly captures Norrin to promote ligand-specific β-catenin signaling. eLife 2025; 13:RP96743. [PMID: 39745873 DOI: 10.7554/elife.96743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling directs animal development and tissue renewal in a tightly controlled, cell- and tissue-specific manner. In the mammalian central nervous system, the atypical ligand Norrin controls angiogenesis and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and blood-retina barrier through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Like Wnt, Norrin activates signaling by binding and heterodimerizing the receptors Frizzled (Fzd) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 or 6 (LRP5/6), leading to membrane recruitment of the intracellular transducer Dishevelled (Dvl) and ultimately stabilizing the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin. Unlike Wnt, the cystine knot ligand Norrin only signals through Fzd4 and additionally requires the co-receptor Tetraspanin12 (Tspan12); however, the mechanism underlying Tspan12-mediated signal enhancement is unclear. It has been proposed that Tspan12 integrates into the Norrin-Fzd4 complex to enhance Norrin-Fzd4 affinity or otherwise allosterically modulate Fzd4 signaling. Here, we measure direct, high-affinity binding between purified Norrin and Tspan12 in a lipid environment and use AlphaFold models to interrogate this interaction interface. We find that Tspan12 and Fzd4 can simultaneously bind Norrin and that a pre-formed Tspan12/Fzd4 heterodimer, as well as cells co-expressing Tspan12 and Fzd4, more efficiently capture low concentrations of Norrin than Fzd4 alone. We also show that Tspan12 competes with both heparan sulfate proteoglycans and LRP6 for Norrin binding and that Tspan12 does not impact Fzd4-Dvl affinity in the presence or absence of Norrin. Our findings suggest that Tspan12 does not allosterically enhance Fzd4 binding to Norrin or Dvl, but instead functions to directly capture Norrin upstream of signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S Bruguera
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Jacob P Mahoney
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - William I Weis
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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11
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Liu Y, Li X, Cao C, Ding H, Shi X, Zhang J, Li H. Critical role of Slc22a8 in maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity after experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2025; 45:85-101. [PMID: 39068534 PMCID: PMC11572098 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241264401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage significantly affects the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients. This project employed multi-omics analysis to identify key factors regulating BBB disruption during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. An integrated analysis of three transcriptome sequencing datasets from mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) models identified eight downregulated genes in endothelial cells. Additionally, transcriptome analysis of BBB (cortex) and non-BBB (lung) endothelium of E13.5 mice revealed 2,102 upregulated genes potentially associated with BBB integrity. The eight downregulated genes were intersected with the 2,102 BBB-related genes and mapped using single-cell RNA sequencing data, revealing that solute carrier family 22 member 8 (Slc22a8) is specifically expressed in endothelial cells and pericytes and significantly decreases after MCAO/R. This finding was validated in the mouse MCAO/R model at both protein and mRNA levels in this study. External overexpression of Slc22a8 using a lentivirus carrying Tie2 improved Slc22a8 and tight junction protein levels and reduced BBB leakage after MCAO/R, accompanied by Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. In conclusion, this study suggested that MCAO/R-induced downregulation of Slc22a8 expression may be a crucial mechanism underlying BBB disruption. Interventions that promote Slc22a8 expression or enhance its function hold promise for improving the prognosis of patients with cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chang Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuan Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juyi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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12
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Lin WY, Dong YL, Lin Y, Sunchuri D, Guo ZL. Potential role of G protein‑coupled receptor 124 in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (Review). Exp Ther Med 2025; 29:2. [PMID: 39534284 PMCID: PMC11552082 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124) has a key role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells, activating inflammatory bodies and promoting angiogenesis and other processes, thus affecting various pathological and physiological processes in the body. GPR124 is vital for promoting the development of the nervous system and maintaining the stability of the blood-brain barrier, and is also associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cancer. This article will elaborate on the biological information regarding GPR124 published in recent years and its possible related signaling pathways in the field of diseases and provide a reference for further revealing the role of GPR124 in the occurrence and development of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yun Lin
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
- School of Dentistry, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Lei Dong
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
- School of Dentistry, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Yang Lin
- School of Dentistry, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Diwas Sunchuri
- School of International Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Zhu-Ling Guo
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, P.R. China
- School of Dentistry, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
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13
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Chen J, Choi JJY, Lin PY, Huang EJ. Pathogenesis of Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage: Insights from Single-Cell Transcriptomics. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2025; 20:221-243. [PMID: 39401848 PMCID: PMC11759652 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-111523-023446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2025]
Abstract
The germinal matrix harbors neurogenic niches in the subpallium of the prenatal human brain that produce abundant GABAergic neurons. In preterm infants, the germinal matrix is particularly vulnerable to developing hemorrhage, which disrupts neurogenesis and causes severe neurodevelopmental sequelae. However, the disease mechanisms that promote germinal matrix hemorrhage remain unclear. Here, we review recent advances using single-cell transcriptomics to uncover novel mechanisms that govern neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the germinal matrix of the prenatal human brain. These approaches also reveal the critical role of immune-vascular interaction that promotes vascular morphogenesis in the germinal matrix and how proinflammatory factors from activated neutrophils and monocytes can disrupt this process, leading to hemorrhage. Collectively, these results reveal fundamental disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for germinal matrix hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapei Chen
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Jennifer Ja-Yoon Choi
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Pin-Yeh Lin
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Eric J Huang
- Pathology Service, Veterans Administration Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
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14
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Boutom SM, Silva TP, Palecek SP, Shusta EV, Fernandes TG, Ashton RS. Central nervous system vascularization in human embryos and neural organoids. Cell Rep 2024; 43:115068. [PMID: 39693224 PMCID: PMC11975460 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, neural organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have offered a transformative pre-clinical platform for understanding central nervous system (CNS) development, disease, drug effects, and toxicology. CNS vasculature plays an important role in all these scenarios; however, most published studies describe CNS organoids that lack a functional vasculature or demonstrate rudimentary incorporation of endothelial cells or blood vessel networks. Here, we review the existing knowledge of vascularization during the development of different CNS regions, including the brain, spinal cord, and retina, and compare it to vascularized CNS organoid models. We highlight several areas of contrast where further bioengineering innovation is needed and discuss potential applications of vascularized neural organoids in modeling human CNS development, physiology, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Boutom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Teresa P Silva
- Department of Bioengineering and IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Randolph S Ashton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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15
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Furtado J, Geraldo LH, Leser FS, Bartkowiak B, Poulet M, Park H, Robinson M, Pibouin-Fragner L, Eichmann A, Boyé K. Interplay between Netrin-1 and Norrin controls arteriovenous zonation of blood-retina barrier integrity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2408674121. [PMID: 39693351 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408674121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the blood-retina barrier (BRB) is crucial for phototransduction and vision, by tightly restricting transport of molecules between the blood and surrounding neuronal cells. Breakdown of the BRB leads to the development of retinal diseases. Here, we show that Netrin-1/Unc5b and Norrin/Lrp5 signaling establish a zonated endothelial cell gene expression program that controls BRB integrity. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of postnatal BRB-competent mouse retina endothelial cells (ECs), we identify >100 BRB genes encoding Wnt signaling components, tight junction proteins, and ion and nutrient transporters. We find that BRB gene expression is zonated across arteries, capillaries, and veins and regulated by opposing gradients of the Netrin-1 receptor Unc5b and Lrp5-β-catenin signaling between retinal arterioles and venules. Mice deficient for Ntn1 or Unc5b display more BRB leakage at the arterial end of the vasculature, while Lrp5 loss of function causes predominantly venular BRB leakage. ScRNA-seq of Ntn1 and Unc5b mutant ECs reveals down-regulated β-catenin signaling and BRB gene expression that is rescued by Ctnnb1 overactivation, along with BRB integrity. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 and Norrin additively enhance β-catenin transcriptional activity and Lrp5 phosphorylation via the Discs large homologue 1 (Dlg1) scaffolding protein, and endothelial Lrp5-Unc5b function converges in protection of capillary BRB integrity. These findings explain how arteriovenous zonation is established and maintained in the BRB and reveal that BRB gene expression is regulated at the level of endothelial subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Furtado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
| | - Luiz Henrique Geraldo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
| | - Felipe Saceanu Leser
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U970, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Bartlomiej Bartkowiak
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Mathilde Poulet
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U970, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Hyojin Park
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
| | - Mark Robinson
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
| | | | - Anne Eichmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U970, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Kevin Boyé
- Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U970, Paris F-75015, France
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16
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Sadanandan J, Thomas S, Mathew IE, Huang Z, Blackburn SL, Tandon N, Lokhande H, McCrea PD, Bresnick EH, Dash PK, McBride DW, Harmanci A, Ahirwar LK, Jose D, Dienel AC, Zeineddine HA, Hong S, Kumar T P. Key epigenetic and signaling factors in the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. eLife 2024; 12:RP86978. [PMID: 39670988 PMCID: PMC11643625 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls the movement of molecules into and out of the central nervous system (CNS). Since a functional BBB forms by mouse embryonic day E15.5, we reasoned that gene cohorts expressed in CNS endothelial cells (EC) at E13.5 contribute to BBB formation. In contrast, adult gene signatures reflect BBB maintenance mechanisms. Supporting this hypothesis, transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct cohorts of EC genes involved in BBB formation and maintenance. Here, we demonstrate that epigenetic regulator's histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) control EC gene expression for BBB development and prevent Wnt/β-catenin (Wnt) target genes from being expressed in adult CNS ECs. Low Wnt activity during development modifies BBB genes epigenetically for the formation of functional BBB. As a Class-I HDAC inhibitor induces adult CNS ECs to regain Wnt activity and BBB genetic signatures that support BBB formation, our results inform strategies to promote BBB repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanarayanan Sadanandan
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Sithara Thomas
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Iny Elizabeth Mathew
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neurology & Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Spiros L Blackburn
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Nitin Tandon
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | | | - Pierre D McCrea
- Department of Genetics, TheUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Emery H Bresnick
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthMadisonUnited States
| | - Pramod K Dash
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Devin W McBride
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Arif Harmanci
- UTHealth School of Biomedical InformaticsHoustonUnited States
| | - Lalit K Ahirwar
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Dania Jose
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Ari C Dienel
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Hussein A Zeineddine
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Sungha Hong
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Peeyush Kumar T
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
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17
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Liessmann F, von Bredow L, Meiler J, Liebscher I. Targeting adhesion G protein-coupled receptors. Current status and future perspectives. Structure 2024; 32:2188-2205. [PMID: 39520987 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) orchestrate many physiological functions and are a crucial target in drug discovery. Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs), the second largest family within this superfamily, are promising yet underexplored targets for treating various diseases, including obesity, psychiatric disorders, and cancer. However, the receptors' unique and complex structure and miscellaneous interactions complicate comprehensive pharmacological studies. Despite recent progress in determining structures and elucidation of the activation mechanism, the function of many receptors remains to be determined. This review consolidates current knowledge on aGPCR ligands, focusing on small molecule orthosteric ligands and allosteric modulators identified for the ADGRGs subfamily (subfamily VIII), (GPR56/ADGRG1, GPR64/ADGRG2, GPR97/ADGRG3, GPR114/ADGRG5, GPR126/ADGRG6, and GPR128/ADGRG7). We discuss challenges in hit identification, target validation, and drug discovery, highlighting molecular compositions and recent structural breakthroughs. ADGRG ligands can offer new insights into aGPCR modulation and have significant potential for novel therapeutic interventions targeting various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Liessmann
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany; Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Leipzig University, 04105 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Lukas von Bredow
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Jens Meiler
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany; Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Leipzig University, 04105 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany; Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Ines Liebscher
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany.
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18
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Bruguera ES, Mahoney JP, Weis WI. The co-receptor Tetraspanin12 directly captures Norrin to promote ligand-specific β-catenin signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.03.578714. [PMID: 38352533 PMCID: PMC10862866 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.03.578714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling directs animal development and tissue renewal in a tightly controlled, cell- and tissue-specific manner. In the mammalian central nervous system, the atypical ligand Norrin controls angiogenesis and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and blood-retina barrier through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Like Wnt, Norrin activates signaling by binding and heterodimerizing the receptors Frizzled (Fzd) and Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 or 6 (LRP5/6), leading to membrane recruitment of the intracellular transducer Dishevelled (Dvl) and ultimately stabilizing the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin. Unlike Wnt, the cystine-knot ligand Norrin only signals through Fzd4 and additionally requires the co-receptor Tetraspanin12 (Tspan12); however, the mechanism underlying Tspan12-mediated signal enhancement is unclear. It has been proposed that Tspan12 integrates into the Norrin-Fzd4 complex to enhance Norrin-Fzd4 affinity or otherwise allosterically modulate Fzd4 signaling. Here, we measure direct, high-affinity binding between purified Norrin and Tspan12 in a lipid environment and use AlphaFold models to interrogate this interaction interface. We find that Tspan12 and Fzd4 can simultaneously bind Norrin and that a pre-formed Tspan12/Fzd4 heterodimer, as well as cells co-expressing Tspan12 and Fzd4, more efficiently capture low concentrations of Norrin than Fzd4 alone. We also show that Tspan12 competes with both heparan sulfate proteoglycans and LRP6 for Norrin binding and that Tspan12 does not impact Fzd4-Dvl affinity in the presence or absence of Norrin. Our findings suggest that Tspan12 does not allosterically enhance Fzd4 binding to Norrin or Dvl, but instead functions to directly capture Norrin upstream of signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S Bruguera
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jacob P Mahoney
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - William I Weis
- Departments of Molecular & Cellular Physiology and Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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19
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Schulte G. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CXV: The Class F of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:1009-1037. [PMID: 38955509 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.124.001062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of 10 Frizzleds (FZD1-10) and Smoothened (SMO). FZDs bind and are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, and SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (Hh) family of morphogens acting on the transmembrane protein Patched. The advance of our understanding of FZDs and SMO as dynamic transmembrane receptors and molecular machines, which emerged during the past 14 years since the first-class F GPCR IUPHAR nomenclature report, justifies an update. This article focuses on the advances in molecular pharmacology and structural biology providing new mechanistic insight into ligand recognition, receptor activation mechanisms, signal initiation, and signal specification. Furthermore, class F GPCRs continue to develop as drug targets, and novel technologies and tools such as genetically encoded biosensors and CRISP/Cas9 edited cell systems have contributed to refined functional analysis of these receptors. Also, advances in crystal structure analysis and cryogenic electron microscopy contribute to the rapid development of our knowledge about structure-function relationships, providing a great starting point for drug development. Despite the progress, questions and challenges remain to fully understand the complexity of the WNT/FZD and Hh/SMO signaling systems. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The recent years of research have brought about substantial functional and structural insight into mechanisms of activation of Frizzleds and Smoothened. While the advance furthers our mechanistic understanding of ligand recognition, receptor activation, signal specification, and initiation, broader opportunities emerge that allow targeting class F GPCRs for therapy and regenerative medicine employing both biologics and small molecule compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Pfau SJ, Langen UH, Fisher TM, Prakash I, Nagpurwala F, Lozoya RA, Lee WCA, Wu Z, Gu C. Characteristics of blood-brain barrier heterogeneity between brain regions revealed by profiling vascular and perivascular cells. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1892-1903. [PMID: 39210068 PMCID: PMC11452347 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01743-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain and maintains neuronal homeostasis. BBB properties can vary between brain regions to support regional functions, yet how BBB heterogeneity occurs is poorly understood. Here, we used single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to compare the mouse median eminence, one of the circumventricular organs that has naturally leaky blood vessels, with the cortex. We identified hundreds of molecular differences in endothelial cells (ECs) and perivascular cells, including astrocytes, pericytes and fibroblasts. Using electron microscopy and an aqueous-based tissue-clearing method, we revealed distinct anatomical specializations and interaction patterns of ECs and perivascular cells in these regions. Finally, we identified candidate regionally enriched EC-perivascular cell ligand-receptor pairs. Our results indicate that both molecular specializations in ECs and unique EC-perivascular cell interactions contribute to BBB functional heterogeneity. This platform can be used to investigate BBB heterogeneity in other regions and may facilitate the development of central nervous system region-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Pfau
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Urs H Langen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theodore M Fisher
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Indumathi Prakash
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Faheem Nagpurwala
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo A Lozoya
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei-Chung Allen Lee
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chenghua Gu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Bassi I, Grunspan M, Hen G, Ravichandran KA, Moshe N, Gutierrez-Miranda L, Safriel SR, Kostina D, Shen A, Ruiz de Almodovar C, Yaniv K. Endolysosomal dysfunction in radial glia progenitor cells leads to defective cerebral angiogenesis and compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8158. [PMID: 39289367 PMCID: PMC11408700 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex multicellular structure that helps maintain cerebral homeostasis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. While extensive evidence links NVU alterations to cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegeneration, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we use zebrafish embryos carrying a mutation in Scavenger Receptor B2, a highly conserved endolysosomal protein expressed predominantly in Radial Glia Cells (RGCs), to investigate the interplay among different NVU components. Through live imaging and genetic manipulations, we demonstrate that compromised acidification of the endolysosomal compartment in mutant RGCs leads to impaired Notch3 signaling, thereby inducing excessive neurogenesis and reduced glial differentiation. We further demonstrate that alterations to the neuron/glia balance result in impaired VEGF and Wnt signaling, leading to severe vascular defects, hemorrhages, and a leaky BBB. Altogether, our findings provide insights into NVU formation and function and offer avenues for investigating diseases involving white matter defects and vascular abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bassi
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Moshe Grunspan
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gideon Hen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kishore A Ravichandran
- Institute for Neurovascular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Noga Moshe
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Laura Gutierrez-Miranda
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stav R Safriel
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daria Kostina
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amitay Shen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Carmen Ruiz de Almodovar
- Institute for Neurovascular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Schlegel Chair for Neurovascular Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karina Yaniv
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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22
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Castilla‐Ibeas A, Zdral S, Oberg KC, Ros MA. The limb dorsoventral axis: Lmx1b's role in development, pathology, evolution, and regeneration. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:798-814. [PMID: 38288855 PMCID: PMC11656695 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The limb anatomy displays well-defined dorsal and ventral compartments, housing extensor, and flexor muscles, which play a crucial role in facilitating limb locomotion and manipulation. Despite its importance, the study of limb dorsoventral patterning has been relatively neglected compared to the other two axes leaving many crucial questions about the genes and developmental processes implicated unanswered. This review offers a thorough overview of the current understanding of limb dorsoventral patterning, synthesizing classical literature with recent research. It covers the specification of dorsal fate in the limb mesoderm and its subsequent translation into dorsal morphologies-a process directed by the transcription factor Lmx1b. We also discuss the potential role of dorsoventral patterning in the evolution of paired appendages and delve into the involvement of LMX1B in Nail-Patella syndrome, discussing the molecular and genetic aspects underlying this condition. Finally, the potential role of dorsoventral polarity in digit tip regeneration, a prominent instance of multi-tissue regeneration in mammals is also considered. We anticipate that this review will renew interest in a process that is critical to limb function and evolutionary adaptations but has nonetheless been overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Castilla‐Ibeas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular SignallingInstituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC‐SODERCAN‐University of Cantabria)SantanderSpain
| | - Sofía Zdral
- Department of Cellular and Molecular SignallingInstituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC‐SODERCAN‐University of Cantabria)SantanderSpain
| | - Kerby C. Oberg
- Department of Pathology and Human AnatomyLoma Linda University, School of MedicineLoma LindaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marian A. Ros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular SignallingInstituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC‐SODERCAN‐University of Cantabria)SantanderSpain
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23
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Hatch K, Lischka F, Wang M, Xu X, Stimpson CD, Barvir T, Cramer NP, Perl DP, Yu G, Browne CA, Dickstein DL, Galdzicki Z. The role of microglia in neuronal and cognitive function during high altitude acclimatization. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18981. [PMID: 39152179 PMCID: PMC11329659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their interactions with the neurovasculature, microglia are implicated in maladaptive responses to hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude (HA). To explore these interactions at HA, pharmacological depletion of microglia with the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor inhibitor, PLX5622, was employed in male C57BL/6J mice maintained at HA or sea level (SL) for 3-weeks, followed by assessment of ex-vivo hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), fear memory recall and microglial dynamics/physiology. Our findings revealed that microglia depletion decreased LTP and reduced glucose levels by 25% at SL but did not affect fear memory recall. At HA, the absence of microglia did not significantly alter HA associated deficits in fear memory or HA mediated decreases in peripheral glucose levels. In regard to microglial dynamics in the cortex, HA enhanced microglial surveillance activity, ablation of microglia resulted in increased chemotactic responses and decreased microglia tip proliferation during ball formation. In contrast, vessel ablation increased cortical microglia tip path tortuosity. In the hippocampus, changes in microglial dynamics were only observed in response to vessel ablation following HA. As the hippocampus is critical for learning and memory, poor hippocampal microglial context-dependent adaptation may be responsible for some of the enduring neurological deficits associated with HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Hatch
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Fritz Lischka
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Mengfan Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Xiufen Xu
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Cheryl D Stimpson
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Tara Barvir
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Nathan P Cramer
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Daniel P Perl
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Guoqiang Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Caroline A Browne
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. (HJF), 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Zygmunt Galdzicki
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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24
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Wang P, Luo L, Chen J. Her4.3 + radial glial cells maintain the brain vascular network through activation of Wnt signaling. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107570. [PMID: 39019216 PMCID: PMC11342778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
During vascular development, radial glial cells (RGCs) regulate vascular patterning in the trunk and contribute to the early differentiation of the blood-brain barrier. Ablation of RGCs results in excessive sprouting vessels or the absence of bilateral vertebral arteries. However, interactions of RGCs with later brain vascular networks after pattern formation remain unknown. Here, we generated a her4.3 transgenic line to label RGCs and applied the metronidazole/nitroreductase system to ablate her4.3+ RGCs. The ablation of her4.3+ RGCs led to the collapse of the cerebral vascular network, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and downregulation of Wnt signaling. The inhibition of Wnt signaling resulted in the collapse of cerebral vasculature, similar to that caused by her4.3+ RGC ablation. The defects in the maintenance of brain vasculature resulting from the absence of her4.3+ RGCs were partially rescued by the activation of Wnt signaling or overexpression of Wnt7aa or Wnt7bb. Together, our study suggests that her4.3+ RGCs maintain the cerebral vascular network through Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Wang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Department of Anaesthesia of Zhongshan Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Zhang N, Westerhaus A, Wilson M, Wang E, Goff L, Sockanathan S. Physiological regulation of neuronal Wnt activity is essential for TDP-43 localization and function. EMBO J 2024; 43:3388-3413. [PMID: 38918634 PMCID: PMC11329687 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear exclusion of the RNA- and DNA-binding protein TDP-43 can induce neurodegeneration in different diseases. Diverse processes have been implicated to influence TDP-43 mislocalization, including disrupted nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT); however, the physiological pathways that normally ensure TDP-43 nuclear localization are unclear. The six-transmembrane enzyme glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 2 (GDE2 or GDPD5) cleaves the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor that tethers some proteins to the membrane. Here we show that GDE2 maintains TDP-43 nuclear localization by regulating the dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling. Ablation of GDE2 causes aberrantly sustained Wnt activation in adult neurons, which is sufficient to cause NCT deficits, nuclear pore abnormalities, and TDP-43 nuclear exclusion. Disruption of GDE2 coincides with TDP-43 abnormalities in postmortem tissue from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further, GDE2 deficits are evident in human neural cell models of ALS, which display erroneous Wnt activation that, when inhibited, increases mRNA levels of genes regulated by TDP-43. Our study identifies GDE2 as a critical physiological regulator of Wnt signaling in adult neurons and highlights Wnt pathway activation as an unappreciated mechanism contributing to nucleocytoplasmic transport and TDP-43 abnormalities in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Anna Westerhaus
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Macey Wilson
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Biological Sciences 302, 120 Cedar St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ethan Wang
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Loyal Goff
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Kavli Neurodiscovery Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shanthini Sockanathan
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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26
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Hu B, Pei J, Wan C, Liu S, Xu Z, Zou Y, Li Z, Tang Z. Mechanisms of Postischemic Stroke Angiogenesis: A Multifaceted Approach. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:4625-4646. [PMID: 39045531 PMCID: PMC11264385 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s461427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke constitutes a significant global health care challenge, and a comprehensive understanding of its recovery mechanisms is imperative for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Angiogenesis, a pivotal element of ischemic tissue repair, facilitates the restoration of blood flow to damaged regions, thereby promoting neuronal regeneration and functional recovery. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying postischemic stroke angiogenesis remain incompletely elucidated. This review meticulously examines the constituents of the neurovascular unit, ion channels, molecular mediators, and signaling pathways implicated in angiogenesis following stroke. Furthermore, it delves into prospective therapeutic strategies informed by these factors. Our objective is to provide detailed and exhaustive information on the intricate mechanisms governing postischemic stroke angiogenesis, thus providing a robust scientific foundation for the advancement of novel neurorepair therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingchun Pei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qujing Medical College, Qujing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongwei Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhigao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
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27
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Fetsko AR, Sebo DJ, Budzynski LB, Scharbarth A, Taylor MR. IL-1β disrupts the initiation of blood-brain barrier development by inhibiting endothelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling. iScience 2024; 27:109651. [PMID: 38638574 PMCID: PMC11025013 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
During neuroinflammation, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) impacts blood-brain barrier (BBB) function by disrupting brain endothelial tight junctions, promoting vascular permeability, and increasing transmigration of immune cells. Here, we examined the effects of Il-1β on the in vivo initiation of BBB development. We generated doxycycline-inducible transgenic zebrafish to secrete Il-1β in the CNS. To validate the utility of our model, we showed Il-1β dose-dependent mortality, recruitment of neutrophils, and expansion of microglia. Using live imaging, we discovered that Il-1β causes a significant reduction in CNS angiogenesis and barriergenesis. To demonstrate specificity, we rescued the Il-1β induced phenotypes by targeting the zebrafish il1r1 gene using CRISPR-Cas9. Mechanistically, we determined that Il-1β disrupts the initiation of BBB development by decreasing Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activation in brain endothelial cells. Given that several neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with inflammation, our findings support further investigation into the connections between proinflammatory cytokines, neuroinflammation, and neurovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey R. Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Dylan J. Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Lilyana B. Budzynski
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Alli Scharbarth
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Michael R. Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Zhu N, Smallwood PM, Rattner A, Chang TH, Williams J, Wang Y, Nathans J. Utility of protein-protein binding surfaces composed of anti-parallel alpha-helices and beta-sheets selected by phage display. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107283. [PMID: 38608728 PMCID: PMC11107207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, a diverse collection of small protein domains have been used as scaffolds to generate general purpose protein-binding reagents using a variety of protein display and enrichment technologies. To expand the repertoire of scaffolds and protein surfaces that might serve this purpose, we have explored the utility of (i) a pair of anti-parallel alpha-helices in a small highly disulfide-bonded 4-helix bundle, the CC4 domain from reversion-inducing Cysteine-rich Protein with Kazal Motifs and (ii) a concave beta-sheet surface and two adjacent loops in the human FN3 domain, the scaffold for the widely used monobody platform. Using M13 phage display and next generation sequencing, we observe that, in both systems, libraries of ∼30 million variants contain binding proteins with affinities in the low μM range for baits corresponding to the extracellular domains of multiple mammalian proteins. CC4- and FN3-based binding proteins were fused to the N- and/or C-termini of Fc domains and used for immunostaining of transfected cells. Additionally, FN3-based binding proteins were inserted into VP1 of AAV to direct AAV infection to cells expressing a defined surface receptor. Finally, FN3-based binding proteins were inserted into the Pvc13 tail fiber protein of an extracellular contractile injection system particle to direct protein cargo delivery to cells expressing a defined surface receptor. These experiments support the utility of CC4 helices B and C and of FN3 beta-strands C, D, and F together with adjacent loops CD and FG as surfaces for engineering general purpose protein-binding reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyu Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Philip M Smallwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Amir Rattner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tao-Hsin Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - John Williams
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yanshu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jeremy Nathans
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
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Yamada S, Hashita T, Yanagida S, Sato H, Yasuhiko Y, Okabe K, Noda T, Nishida M, Matsunaga T, Kanda Y. SARS-CoV-2 causes dysfunction in human iPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells potentially by modulating the Wnt signaling pathway. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:32. [PMID: 38584257 PMCID: PMC11000354 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is associated with various neurological symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, headache, encephalitis, and epileptic seizures. SARS-CoV-2 is considered to affect the central nervous system (CNS) by interacting with the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is defined by tight junctions that seal paracellular gaps between brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Although SARS-CoV-2 infection of BMECs has been reported, the detailed mechanism has not been fully elucidated. METHODS Using the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the infection in BMECs was confirmed by a detection of intracellular RNA copy number and localization of viral particles. BMEC functions were evaluated by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), which evaluates the integrity of tight junction dynamics, and expression levels of proinflammatory genes. BMEC signaling pathway was examined by comprehensive RNA-seq analysis. RESULTS We observed that iPSC derived brain microvascular endothelial like cells (iPSC-BMELCs) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in decreased TEER. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased expression levels of tight junction markers CLDN3 and CLDN11. SARS-CoV-2 infection also increased expression levels of proinflammatory genes, which are known to be elevated in patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 dysregulated the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in iPSC-BMELCs. Modulation of the Wnt signaling by CHIR99021 partially inhibited the infection and the subsequent inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes BBB dysfunction via Wnt signaling. Thus, iPSC-BMELCs are a useful in vitro model for elucidating COVID-19 neuropathology and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Yamada
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Hashita
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shota Yanagida
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sato
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yukuto Yasuhiko
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Kaori Okabe
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Noda
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Brain Bioregulatory Science, The Jikei University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motohiro Nishida
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences and Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tamihide Matsunaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-Ku, Kawasaki, 210-9501, Japan.
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Schevenels G, Cabochette P, America M, Vandenborne A, De Grande L, Guenther S, He L, Dieu M, Christou B, Vermeersch M, Germano RFV, Perez-Morga D, Renard P, Martin M, Vanlandewijck M, Betsholtz C, Vanhollebeke B. A brain-specific angiogenic mechanism enabled by tip cell specialization. Nature 2024; 628:863-871. [PMID: 38570687 PMCID: PMC11041701 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Vertebrate organs require locally adapted blood vessels1,2. The gain of such organotypic vessel specializations is often deemed to be molecularly unrelated to the process of organ vascularization. Here, opposing this model, we reveal a molecular mechanism for brain-specific angiogenesis that operates under the control of Wnt7a/b ligands-well-known blood-brain barrier maturation signals3-5. The control mechanism relies on Wnt7a/b-dependent expression of Mmp25, which we find is enriched in brain endothelial cells. CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis in zebrafish reveals that this poorly characterized glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored matrix metalloproteinase is selectively required in endothelial tip cells to enable their initial migration across the pial basement membrane lining the brain surface. Mechanistically, Mmp25 confers brain invasive competence by cleaving meningeal fibroblast-derived collagen IV α5/6 chains within a short non-collagenous region of the central helical part of the heterotrimer. After genetic interference with the pial basement membrane composition, the Wnt-β-catenin-dependent organotypic control of brain angiogenesis is lost, resulting in properly patterned, yet blood-brain-barrier-defective cerebrovasculatures. We reveal an organ-specific angiogenesis mechanism, shed light on tip cell mechanistic angiodiversity and thereby illustrate how organs, by imposing local constraints on angiogenic tip cells, can select vessels matching their distinctive physiological requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giel Schevenels
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Pauline Cabochette
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Michelle America
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Vandenborne
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Line De Grande
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Stefan Guenther
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Liqun He
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marc Dieu
- Mass Spectrometry Facility (MaSUN), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Basile Christou
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Marjorie Vermeersch
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Raoul F V Germano
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - David Perez-Morga
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Patricia Renard
- Mass Spectrometry Facility (MaSUN), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Maud Martin
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Michael Vanlandewijck
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine (Huddinge), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine (Huddinge), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Benoit Vanhollebeke
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium.
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Gao P, Zhu J, Xiangyun G, Li J, Wu J. GPR97 deficiency suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hypertensive nephropathy. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23479. [PMID: 38345813 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302298r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that renal fibrosis plays a key role in the development of hypertensive nephropathy (HTN). Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of renal fibrosis regulation in HTN would be critical for designing rational strategies for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we revealed that GPR97, a novel identified adhesion G coupled receptor, plays an important role in the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is the crucial driver of renal fibrosis in HTN. First, we identified that the expression of GPR97 correlated with the β-catenin expression in renal biopsy from patients with HTN. Moreover, we found that GPR97 deficiency inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mice with HTN, as evidenced by the reduction of β-catenin expression and downstream target proteins, including MMP7 and Fibronectin. Mechanistically, we found that GPR97 could directly bind with Wnt1 in cultured tubular cells and TGF-β1 treatment enhanced the binding ability of GPR97 and Wnt1. In addition, the gene silencing of GPR97 could decrease the Wnt1-induced fibrotic phenotype of tubular cells and inflammatory responses, suggesting that the binding of GPR97 and Wnt1 promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Collectively, our studies reveal that GPR97 is a regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HTN, and targeting GPR97 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for HTN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinghan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guo Xiangyun
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jichao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
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Fetsko AR, Sebo DJ, Budzynski LB, Scharbarth A, Taylor MR. IL-1β disrupts blood-brain barrier development by inhibiting endothelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.04.569943. [PMID: 38106202 PMCID: PMC10723338 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.569943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
During neuroinflammation, the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) impacts blood-brain barrier (BBB) function by disrupting brain endothelial tight junctions, promoting vascular permeability, and increasing transmigration of immune cells. Here, we examined the effects of Il-1β on the in vivo development of the BBB. We generated a doxycycline-inducible transgenic zebrafish model that drives secretion of Il-1β in the CNS. To validate the utility of our model, we showed Il-1β dose-dependent mortality, recruitment of neutrophils, and expansion of microglia. Using live imaging, we discovered that Il-1β causes a significant reduction in CNS angiogenesis and barriergenesis. To demonstrate specificity, we rescued the Il-1β induced phenotypes by targeting the zebrafish il1r1 gene using CRISPR/Cas9. Mechanistically, we determined that Il-1β disrupts BBB development by decreasing Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activation in brain endothelial cells. Given that several neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with inflammation, our findings support further investigation into the connections between proinflammatory cytokines, neuroinflammation, and neurovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey R. Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dylan J. Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lilyana B. Budzynski
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alli Scharbarth
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael R. Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Shen Y, Cui Q, Xiao L, Wang L, Li Q, Zhang R, Chen Z, Niu J. Down-regulated Wnt7a and GPR124 in early-onset preeclampsia placentas reduce invasion and migration of trophoblast cells. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:41-49. [PMID: 37694534 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease specific to pregnancy that causes 9-10 % of maternal deaths. Early-onset PE (<34 weeks' gestation) is the most dangerous category of PE. Wnt7a and GPR124 (G protein-coupled receptor 124) are widely expressed in the human reproductive process. Especially during embryogenesis and tumorigenesis, Wnt7a plays a crucial role. However, few studies have examined the association between Wnt7a-GPR124 and early-onset PE. The aim of this study was to examine the significance of Wnt7a and GPR124 in early-onset PE as well as Wnt7a's role in trophoblast cells. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR, and western blotting (WB) were used to investigate Wnt7a and GPR124 expression in normal and early-onset PE placentas. Additionally, FACS, Transwell, and CCK-8 assays were used to diagnose Wnt7a involvement in migration, invasion, and proliferation. RESULTS In the early-onset PE group, Wnt7a and GPR124 expression was significantly lower than in the normal group, especially in the area of syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). A negative correlation was found between Wnt7a RNA and GPR124 expression (r=-0.42, p<0.01). However, the Wnt7a RNA expression level was positive correlated with PE severity. In further cellular functional experiments, knockdown of Wnt7a inhibits HTR8/SVeno cells invasion and migration but has little effect on proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Through the Wnt pathway, Wnt7a regulates trophoblast cell invasion and migration, and may contribute to early-onset preeclampsia pathogenesis. A molecular level study of Wnt7a will be needed to find downstream proteins and mechanisms of interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Qingyu Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Ruihong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zhaowen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Niu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
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Xu Y, Fang X, Zhao Z, Wu H, Fan H, Zhang Y, Meng Q, Rong Q, Fukunaga K, Guo Q, Liu Q. GPR124 induces NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in endothelial cells during ischemic injury. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 962:176228. [PMID: 38042462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124) regulates central nervous system angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and its deficiency aggravates BBB breakdown and hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic mice. However, excessive GPR124 expression promotes inflammation in atherosclerotic mice. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of GPR124 in hypoxia/ischemia-induced cerebrovascular endothelial cell injury. METHODS bEnd.3 cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), and time-dependent changes in GPR124 mRNA and protein expression were evaluated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The effects of GPR124 overexpression or knockdown on the expression of pyroptosis-related genes were assessed at the mRNA and protein levels. Tadehaginoside (TA) was screened as a potential small molecule targeting GPR124, and its effects on pyroptosis-related signaling pathways were investigated. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of TA was evaluated using a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R). RESULTS During OGD, the expression of GPR124 initially increased and then decreased over time, with the highest levels observed 1 h after OGD. The overexpression of GPR124 enhanced the OGD-induced expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) in bEnd.3 cells, whereas GPR124 knockdown reduced pyroptosis. Additionally, TA exhibited a high targeting ability to GPR124, significantly inhibiting its function and expression and suppressing the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins during OGD. Furthermore, TA treatment significantly reduced the cerebral infarct volume and pyroptotic signaling in tMCAO/R rats. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GPR124 mediates pyroptotic signaling in endothelial cells during the early stages of hypoxia/ischemia, thereby exacerbating ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Xu
- Department of Pharmacy & Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Xingyue Fang
- Department of Pharmacy & Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research & Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Haolin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy & Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Haofei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research & Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Information and Engineering, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Qingwen Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Qiongwen Rong
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research & Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Qingyun Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research & Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Qibing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy & Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
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Kulkarni PP, Ekhlak M, Dash D. Non-canonical non-genomic morphogen signaling in anucleate platelets: a critical determinant of prothrombotic function in circulation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:13. [PMID: 38172855 PMCID: PMC10763172 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating platelets derived from bone marrow megakaryocytes play a central role in thrombosis and hemostasis. Despite being anucleate, platelets express several proteins known to have nuclear niche. These include transcription factors and steroid receptors whose non-genomic functions are being elucidated in platelets. Quite remarkably, components of some of the best-studied morphogen pathways, namely Notch, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), and Wnt have also been described in recent years in platelets, which regulate platelet function in the context of thrombosis as well as influence their survival. Shh and Notch pathways in stimulated platelets establish feed-forward loops of autocrine/juxtacrine/paracrine non-canonical signaling that helps perpetuate thrombosis. On the other hand, non-canonical Wnt signaling is part of a negative feedback loop for restricting platelet activation and possibly limiting thrombus growth. The present review will provide an overview of these signaling pathways in general. We will then briefly discuss the non-genomic roles of transcription factors and steroid receptors in platelet activation. This will be followed by an elaborate description of morphogen signaling in platelets with a focus on their bearing on platelet activation leading to hemostasis and thrombosis as well as their potential for therapeutic targeting in thrombotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paresh P Kulkarni
- Center for Advanced Research on Platelet Signaling and Thrombosis Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Mohammad Ekhlak
- Center for Advanced Research on Platelet Signaling and Thrombosis Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Debabrata Dash
- Center for Advanced Research on Platelet Signaling and Thrombosis Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Qi X, Hu Q, Elghobashi-Meinhardt N, Long T, Chen H, Li X. Molecular basis of Wnt biogenesis, secretion, and Wnt7-specific signaling. Cell 2023; 186:5028-5040.e14. [PMID: 37852257 PMCID: PMC10841698 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Wnt proteins are enzymatically lipidated by Porcupine (PORCN) in the ER and bind to Wntless (WLS) for intracellular transport and secretion. Mechanisms governing the transfer of these low-solubility Wnts from the ER to the extracellular space remain unclear. Through structural and functional analyses of Wnt7a, a crucial Wnt involved in central nervous system angiogenesis and blood-brain barrier maintenance, we have elucidated the principles of Wnt biogenesis and Wnt7-specific signaling. The Wnt7a-WLS complex binds to calreticulin (CALR), revealing that CALR functions as a chaperone to facilitate Wnt transfer from PORCN to WLS during Wnt biogenesis. Our structures, functional analyses, and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that a phospholipid in the core of Wnt-bound WLS regulates the association and dissociation between Wnt and WLS, suggesting a lipid-mediated Wnt secretion mechanism. Finally, the structure of Wnt7a bound to RECK, a cell-surface Wnt7 co-receptor, reveals how RECKCC4 engages the N-terminal domain of Wnt7a to activate Wnt7-specific signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Qi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Qinli Hu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Tao Long
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hongwen Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaochun Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Lin HH. Functional partnerships between GPI-anchored proteins and adhesion GPCRs. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300115. [PMID: 37526334 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Specific extracellular interaction between glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins and adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) plays an important role in unique biological functions. GPI-anchored proteins are derived from a novel post-translational modification of single-span membrane molecules, while aGPCRs are bona fide seven-span transmembrane proteins with a long extracellular domain. Although various members of the two structurally-distinct protein families are known to be involved in a wide range of biological processes, many remain as orphans. Interestingly, accumulating evidence has pointed to a complex interaction and functional synergy between these two protein families. I discuss herein current understanding of specific functional partnerships between GPI-anchored proteins and aGPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Hsien Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
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O'Brown NM, Patel NB, Hartmann U, Klein AM, Gu C, Megason SG. The secreted neuronal signal Spock1 promotes blood-brain barrier development. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1534-1547.e6. [PMID: 37437574 PMCID: PMC10525910 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique set of properties of the brain vasculature which severely restrict its permeability to proteins and small molecules. Classic chick-quail chimera studies have shown that these properties are not intrinsic to the brain vasculature but rather are induced by surrounding neural tissue. Here, we identify Spock1 as a candidate neuronal signal for regulating BBB permeability in zebrafish and mice. Mosaic genetic analysis shows that neuronally expressed Spock1 is cell non-autonomously required for a functional BBB. Leakage in spock1 mutants is associated with altered extracellular matrix (ECM), increased endothelial transcytosis, and altered pericyte-endothelial interactions. Furthermore, a single dose of recombinant SPOCK1 partially restores BBB function in spock1 mutants by quenching gelatinase activity and restoring vascular expression of BBB genes including mcamb. These analyses support a model in which neuronally secreted Spock1 initiates BBB properties by altering the ECM, thereby regulating pericyte-endothelial interactions and downstream vascular gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M O'Brown
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Nikit B Patel
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ursula Hartmann
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chenghua Gu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sean G Megason
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Stokum JA, Shim B, Negoita S, Tsymbalyuk N, Tsymbalyuk O, Ivanova S, Keledjian K, Bryan J, Blaustein MP, Jha RM, Kahle KT, Gerzanich V, Simard JM. Cation flux through SUR1-TRPM4 and NCX1 in astrocyte endfeet induces water influx through AQP4 and brain swelling after ischemic stroke. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadd6364. [PMID: 37279286 PMCID: PMC10369355 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add6364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain swelling causes morbidity and mortality in various brain injuries and diseases but lacks effective treatments. Brain swelling is linked to the influx of water into perivascular astrocytes through channels called aquaporins. Water accumulation in astrocytes increases their volume, which contributes to brain swelling. Using a mouse model of severe ischemic stroke, we identified a potentially targetable mechanism that promoted the cell surface localization of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in perivascular astrocytic endfeet, which completely ensheathe the brain's capillaries. Cerebral ischemia increased the abundance of the heteromeric cation channel SUR1-TRPM4 and of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger NCX1 in the endfeet of perivascular astrocytes. The influx of Na+ through SUR1-TRPM4 induced Ca2+ transport into cells through NCX1 operating in reverse mode, thus raising the intra-endfoot concentration of Ca2+. This increase in Ca2+ stimulated calmodulin-dependent translocation of AQP4 to the plasma membrane and water influx, which led to cellular edema and brain swelling. Pharmacological inhibition or astrocyte-specific deletion of SUR1-TRPM4 or NCX1 reduced brain swelling and improved neurological function in mice to a similar extent as an AQP4 inhibitor and was independent of infarct size. Thus, channels in astrocyte endfeet could be targeted to reduce postischemic brain swelling in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Stokum
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bosung Shim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Serban Negoita
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Natalya Tsymbalyuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Orest Tsymbalyuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Svetlana Ivanova
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kaspar Keledjian
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Joseph Bryan
- Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Mordecai P Blaustein
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ruchira M Jha
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - J Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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40
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Parab S, Card OA, Chen Q, America M, Buck LD, Quick RE, Horrigan WF, Levkowitz G, Vanhollebeke B, Matsuoka RL. Local angiogenic interplay of Vegfc/d and Vegfa controls brain region-specific emergence of fenestrated capillaries. eLife 2023; 12:e86066. [PMID: 37191285 PMCID: PMC10229134 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fenestrated and blood-brain barrier (BBB)-forming endothelial cells constitute major brain capillaries, and this vascular heterogeneity is crucial for region-specific neural function and brain homeostasis. How these capillary types emerge in a brain region-specific manner and subsequently establish intra-brain vascular heterogeneity remains unclear. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of vascularization across the zebrafish choroid plexuses (CPs), circumventricular organs (CVOs), and retinal choroid, and show common angiogenic mechanisms critical for fenestrated brain capillary formation. We found that zebrafish deficient for Gpr124, Reck, or Wnt7aa exhibit severely impaired BBB angiogenesis without any apparent defect in fenestrated capillary formation in the CPs, CVOs, and retinal choroid. Conversely, genetic loss of various Vegf combinations caused significant disruptions in Wnt7/Gpr124/Reck signaling-independent vascularization of these organs. The phenotypic variation and specificity revealed heterogeneous endothelial requirements for Vegfs-dependent angiogenesis during CP and CVO vascularization, identifying unexpected interplay of Vegfc/d and Vegfa in this process. Mechanistically, expression analysis and paracrine activity-deficient vegfc mutant characterization suggest that endothelial cells and non-neuronal specialized cell types present in the CPs and CVOs are major sources of Vegfs responsible for regionally restricted angiogenic interplay. Thus, brain region-specific presentations and interplay of Vegfc/d and Vegfa control emergence of fenestrated capillaries, providing insight into the mechanisms driving intra-brain vascular heterogeneity and fenestrated vessel formation in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Parab
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Olivia A Card
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Qiyu Chen
- Departments of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Neuroscience, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Michelle America
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de BruxellesGosseliesBelgium
| | - Luke D Buck
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Rachael E Quick
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - William F Horrigan
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
| | - Gil Levkowitz
- Departments of Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Neuroscience, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Benoit Vanhollebeke
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Signaling, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de BruxellesGosseliesBelgium
| | - Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandUnited States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandUnited States
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41
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Manfreda L, Rampazzo E, Persano L. Wnt Signaling in Brain Tumors: A Challenging Therapeutic Target. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050729. [PMID: 37237541 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of Wnt signaling in normal tissue homeostasis and disease has been widely demonstrated over the last 20 years. In particular, dysregulation of Wnt pathway components has been suggested as a relevant hallmark of several neoplastic malignancies, playing a role in cancer onset, progression, and response to treatments. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the instructions provided by Wnt signaling during organogenesis and, particularly, brain development. Moreover, we recapitulate the most relevant mechanisms through which aberrant Wnt pathway activation may impact on brain tumorigenesis and brain tumor aggressiveness, with a particular focus on the mutual interdependency existing between Wnt signaling components and the brain tumor microenvironment. Finally, the latest anti-cancer therapeutic approaches employing the specific targeting of Wnt signaling are extensively reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, here we provide evidence that Wnt signaling, due to its pleiotropic involvement in several brain tumor features, may represent a relevant target in this context, although additional efforts will be needed to: (i) demonstrate the real clinical impact of Wnt inhibition in these tumors; (ii) overcome some still unsolved concerns about the potential systemic effects of such approaches; (iii) achieve efficient brain penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Manfreda
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
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42
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Callegari K, Dash S, Uchida H, Shingai Y, Liu C, Khodarkovskaya A, Lee Y, Ito A, Lopez A, Zhang T, Xiang J, Kluk MJ, Sanchez T. Molecular profiling of the stroke-induced alterations in the cerebral microvasculature reveals promising therapeutic candidates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2205786120. [PMID: 37058487 PMCID: PMC10120001 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205786120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke-induced cerebral microvascular dysfunction contributes to aggravation of neuronal injury and compromises the efficacy of current reperfusion therapies. Understanding the molecular alterations in cerebral microvessels in stroke will provide original opportunities for scientific investigation of novel therapeutic strategies. Toward this goal, using a recently optimized method which minimizes cell activation and preserves endothelial cell interactions and RNA integrity, we conducted a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis of cerebral microvessels in a mouse model of stroke and compared these transcriptomic alterations with the ones observed in human, nonfatal, brain stroke lesions. Results from these unbiased comparative analyses have revealed the common alterations in mouse stroke microvessels and human stroke lesions and identified shared molecular features associated with vascular disease (e.g., Serpine1/Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, Hemoxygenase-1), endothelial activation (e.g., Angiopoietin-2), and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism and signaling (e.g., Sphigosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 2). Sphingolipid profiling of mouse cerebral microvessels validated the transcript data and revealed the enrichment of sphingomyelin and sphingoid species in the cerebral microvasculature compared to brain and the stroke-induced increase in ceramide species. In summary, our study has identified novel molecular alterations in several microvessel-enriched, translationally relevant, and druggable targets, which are potent modulators of endothelial function. Our comparative analyses have revealed the presence of molecular features associated with cerebral microvascular dysfunction in human chronic stroke lesions. The results shared here provide a detailed resource for therapeutic discovery of candidates for neurovascular protection in stroke and potentially, other pathologies exhibiting cerebral microvascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Callegari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Sabyasachi Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Hiroki Uchida
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Yuto Shingai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Catherine Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Anne Khodarkovskaya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Yunkyoung Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Akira Ito
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Amanda Lopez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Michael J. Kluk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
| | - Teresa Sanchez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
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43
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Como CN, Kim S, Siegenthaler J. Stuck on you: Meninges cellular crosstalk in development. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 79:102676. [PMID: 36773497 PMCID: PMC10023464 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The spatial and temporal development of the brain, overlying meninges (fibroblasts, vasculature and immune cells) and calvarium are highly coordinated. In particular, the timing of meningeal fibroblasts into molecularly distinct pia, arachnoid and dura subtypes coincides with key developmental events in the brain and calvarium. Further, the meninges are positioned to influence development of adjacent structures and do so via depositing basement membrane and producing molecular cues to regulate brain and calvarial development. Here, we review the current knowledge of how meninges development aligns with events in the brain and calvarium and meningeal fibroblast "crosstalk" with these structures. We summarize outstanding questions and how the use of non-mammalian models to study the meninges will substantially advance the field of meninges biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina N Como
- Department of Pediatrics Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. https://twitter.com/ChristinaComo
| | - Sol Kim
- Department of Pediatrics Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Julie Siegenthaler
- Department of Pediatrics Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; University of Colorado, School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics 12800 East 19th Ave MS-8313 Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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44
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Rada CC, Yuki K, Ding J, Kuo CJ. Regulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier in Health and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041191. [PMID: 36987582 PMCID: PMC10691497 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The neurovascular unit is a dynamic microenvironment with tightly controlled signaling and transport coordinated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A properly functioning BBB allows sufficient movement of ions and macromolecules to meet the high metabolic demand of the central nervous system (CNS), while protecting the brain from pathogenic and noxious insults. This review describes the main cell types comprising the BBB and unique molecular signatures of these cells. Additionally, major signaling pathways for BBB development and maintenance are highlighted. Finally, we describe the pathophysiology of BBB diseases, their relationship to barrier dysfunction, and identify avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara C Rada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Kanako Yuki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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45
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Wälchli T, Bisschop J, Carmeliet P, Zadeh G, Monnier PP, De Bock K, Radovanovic I. Shaping the brain vasculature in development and disease in the single-cell era. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:271-298. [PMID: 36941369 PMCID: PMC10026800 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The CNS critically relies on the formation and proper function of its vasculature during development, adult homeostasis and disease. Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels - is highly active during brain development, enters almost complete quiescence in the healthy adult brain and is reactivated in vascular-dependent brain pathologies such as brain vascular malformations and brain tumours. Despite major advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving angiogenesis in peripheral tissues, developmental signalling pathways orchestrating angiogenic processes in the healthy and the diseased CNS remain incompletely understood. Molecular signalling pathways of the 'neurovascular link' defining common mechanisms of nerve and vessel wiring have emerged as crucial regulators of peripheral vascular growth, but their relevance for angiogenesis in brain development and disease remains largely unexplored. Here we review the current knowledge of general and CNS-specific mechanisms of angiogenesis during brain development and in brain vascular malformations and brain tumours, including how key molecular signalling pathways are reactivated in vascular-dependent diseases. We also discuss how these topics can be studied in the single-cell multi-omics era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wälchli
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jeroen Bisschop
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB & Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Donald K. Johnson Research Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katrien De Bock
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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46
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Yang H, Xu H, Wang Z, Li X, Wang P, Cao X, Xu Z, Lv D, Rong Y, Chen M, Tang B, Hu Z, Deng W, Zhu J. Analysis of miR-203a-3p/SOCS3-mediated induction of M2 macrophage polarization to promote diabetic wound healing based on epidermal stem cell-derived exosomes. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2023; 197:110573. [PMID: 36764461 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of therapeutic strategies to improve wound healing in individual diabetic patients remains challenging. Stem cell-derived exosomes represent a promising nanomaterial, and microRNAs (miRNAs) can be isolated from them. It is important to identify the potential therapeutic role of specific miRNAs, given that miRNAs can play a therapeutic role. METHODS qPCR, flow cytometry, and western blotting were used to verify the effect of epidermal stem cell-derived exosomes (EpiSC-EXOs) on M2 macrophage polarization and SOCS3 expression. By screening key miRNAs targeting SOCS3 in EpiSC-EXOs by high-throughput sequencing, we verified the mechanism in vitro. Finally, an animal model was used to verify the effect of promoting healing. RESULTS The use of EpiSC-EXOs reduced SOCS3 expression and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. The abundant miR-203a-3p present in the EpiSC-EXOs specifically bound to SOCS3 and activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to induce M2 macrophage polarization. Treatment of the db/db mouse wound model with miR-203a-3p agomir exerted a pro-healing effect. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that the abundant miR-203a-3p present in EpiSC-EXOs can promote M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating SOCS3 and suggested that diabetic wounds can obtain better healing effects through this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailin Xu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Cao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongye Xu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongming Lv
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanchao Rong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Tang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Hu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiayuan Zhu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Burn and Wound Repair, Guangzhou, China.
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Automated SSHHPS Analysis Predicts a Potential Host Protein Target Common to Several Neuroinvasive (+)ssRNA Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020542. [PMID: 36851756 PMCID: PMC9961674 DOI: 10.3390/v15020542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the viral genome, short stretches of homologous host pathogen sequences (SSHHPS) span the protease cleavage sites. To identify host proteins that may be cleaved during infection, we searched the human proteome for viral protease cleavage sites (~20 amino acids). We developed a sequence-to-symptom tool, automating the search and pairing process. We used the viral protein sequence, PHI-BLAST, and UniProt database for gene ontologies and disease relationships. We applied the tool to nine neuroinvasive viruses: Venezuelan and Eastern Equine encephalitis virus (VEEV, EEEV); severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS, SARS-CoV-2); Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS); EV-71; Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV); West Nile (WNV); and Zika (ZIKV). A comparison of the hits identified a protein common to all nine viruses called ADGRA2 (GPR124). ADGRA2 was a predicted hit of the 3CL main protease and papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. ADGRA2 is an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor and a key endothelial regulator of brain-specific angiogenesis. It is a Wnt7A/Wnt7B specific coactivator of beta-catenin signaling and is essential for blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. We show the cleavage of the predicted sequences in MYOM1, VWF by the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro; DNAH8 (dynein) by the MERS PLpro; ADGRA2 by the alphaviral VEEV nsP2 protease; and POT1 by the SARS-CoV-2 and MERS PLpro.
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48
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Fetsko AR, Sebo DJ, Taylor MR. Brain endothelial cells acquire blood-brain barrier properties in the absence of Vegf-dependent CNS angiogenesis. Dev Biol 2023; 494:46-59. [PMID: 36502932 PMCID: PMC9870987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During neurovascular development, brain endothelial cells (BECs) respond to secreted signals from the neuroectoderm that regulate CNS angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in the brain, and barriergenesis, the acquisition of blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Vegf signaling are both required for CNS angiogenesis; however, the relationship between these pathways is not understood. Furthermore, while Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for barriergenesis, the role of Vegf signaling in this vital process remains unknown. Here, we provide the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, that Vegf signaling is not required for barriergenesis and that activation of Wnt/β-catenin in BECs is independent of Vegf signaling during neurovascular development. Using double transgenic glut1b:mCherry and plvap:EGFP zebrafish (Danio rerio) to visualize the developing brain vasculature, we performed a forward genetic screen and identified a new mutant allele of kdrl, an ortholog of mammalian Vegfr2. The kdrl mutant lacks CNS angiogenesis but, unlike the Wnt/β-catenin pathway mutant gpr124, acquires BBB properties in BECs. To examine Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in BECs, we chemically inhibited Vegf signaling and found robust expression of the Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional reporter line 7xtcf-Xla.Siam:EGFP. Taken together, our results establish that Vegf signaling is essential for CNS angiogenesis but is not required for Wnt/β-catenin-dependent barriergenesis. Given the clinical significance of either inhibiting pathological angiogenesis or stimulating neovascularization, our study provides valuable new insights that are critical for the development of effective therapies that target the vasculature in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey R Fetsko
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dylan J Sebo
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael R Taylor
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Sutton NR, Malhotra R, Hilaire C, Aikawa E, Blumenthal RS, Gackenbach G, Goyal P, Johnson A, Nigwekar SU, Shanahan CM, Towler DA, Wolford BN, Chen Y. Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Health: Insights From Vascular Aging and Calcification. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:15-29. [PMID: 36412195 PMCID: PMC9793888 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide, especially beyond the age of 65 years, with the vast majority of morbidity and mortality due to myocardial infarction and stroke. Vascular pathology stems from a combination of genetic risk, environmental factors, and the biologic changes associated with aging. The pathogenesis underlying the development of vascular aging, and vascular calcification with aging, in particular, is still not fully understood. Accumulating data suggests that genetic risk, likely compounded by epigenetic modifications, environmental factors, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and the plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells to acquire an osteogenic phenotype are major determinants of age-associated vascular calcification. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic and modifiable risk factors in regulating age-associated vascular pathology may inspire strategies to promote healthy vascular aging. This article summarizes current knowledge of concepts and mechanisms of age-associated vascular disease, with an emphasis on vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia R. Sutton
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rajeev Malhotra
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Cynthia Hilaire
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, and Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 1744 BSTWR, 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260 USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Roger S. Blumenthal
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease; Baltimore, MD
| | - Grace Gackenbach
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Parag Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Adam Johnson
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sagar U. Nigwekar
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Catherine M. Shanahan
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Dwight A. Towler
- Department of Medicine | Endocrine Division and Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Brooke N. Wolford
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Yabing Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Research Department, Veterans Affairs Birmingham Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
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50
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Abstract
WNT/CTNNB1 signaling plays a critical role in the development of all multicellular animals. Here, we include both the embryonic stages, during which tissue morphogenesis takes place, and the postnatal stages of development, during which tissue homeostasis occurs. Thus, embryonic development concerns lineage development and cell fate specification, while postnatal development involves tissue maintenance and regeneration. Multiple tools are available to researchers who want to investigate, and ideally visualize, the dynamic and pleiotropic involvement of WNT/CTNNB1 signaling in these processes. Here, we discuss and evaluate the decisions that researchers need to make in identifying the experimental system and appropriate tools for the specific question they want to address, covering different types of WNT/CTNNB1 reporters in cells and mice. At a molecular level, advanced quantitative imaging techniques can provide spatio-temporal information that cannot be provided by traditional biochemical assays. We therefore also highlight some recent studies to show their potential in deciphering the complex and dynamic mechanisms that drive WNT/CTNNB1 signaling.
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