1
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Lyu QR, Fu K. Tissue-specific Cre driver mice to study vascular diseases. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 153:107241. [PMID: 37923099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107241] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and abdominal aneurysms, are the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among the elderly worldwide. The life quality of patients is significantly compromised due to inadequate therapeutic approaches and limited drug targets. To expand our comprehension of vascular diseases, gene knockout (KO) mice, especially conditional knockout (cKO) mice, are widely used for investigating gene function and mechanisms of action. The Cre-loxP system is the most common method for generating cKO mice. Numerous Cre driver mice have been established to study the main cell types that compose blood vessels, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Here, we first discuss the characteristics of each layer of the arterial wall. Next, we provide an overview of the representative Cre driver mice utilized for each of the major cell types in the vessel wall and their most recent applications in vascular biology. We then go over Cre toxicity and discuss the practical methods for minimizing Cre interference in experimental outcomes. Finally, we look into the future of tissue-specific Cre drivers by introducing the revolutionary single-cell RNA sequencing and dual recombinase system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Rex Lyu
- Medical Research Center, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing 401147, China; Chongqing Academy of Medical Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China.
| | - Kailong Fu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China.
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2
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Zhang J, Wu Q, Hu X, Wang Y, Lu J, Chakraborty R, Martin KA, Guo S. Serum Response Factor Reduces Gene Expression Noise and Confers Cell State Stability. Stem Cells 2023; 41:907-915. [PMID: 37386941 PMCID: PMC11009695 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad051] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The role of serum response factor (Srf), a central mediator of actin dynamics and mechanical signaling, in cell identity regulation is debated to be either a stabilizer or a destabilizer. We investigated the role of Srf in cell fate stability using mouse pluripotent stem cells. Despite the fact that serum-containing cultures yield heterogeneous gene expression, deletion of Srf in mouse pluripotent stem cells leads to further exacerbated cell state heterogeneity. The exaggerated heterogeneity is detectible not only as increased lineage priming but also as the developmentally earlier 2C-like cell state. Thus, pluripotent cells explore more variety of cellular states in both directions of development surrounding naïve pluripotency, a behavior that is constrained by Srf. These results support that Srf functions as a cell state stabilizer, providing rationale for its functional modulation in cell fate intervention and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qiao Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yadong Wang
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shangqin Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Doolittle ML, Khosla S, Saul D. Single-Cell Integration of BMD GWAS Results Prioritize Candidate Genes Influencing Age-Related Bone Loss. JBMR Plus 2023; 7:e10795. [PMID: 37808401 PMCID: PMC10556272 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of bone mineral density (BMD) is highly influenced by genetics and age. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for BMD have uncovered many genes through their proximity to associated variants (variant nearest-neighbor [VNN] genes), the cell-specific mechanisms of each VNN gene remain unclear. This is primarily due to the inability to prioritize these genes by cell type and age-related expression. Using age-related transcriptomics, we found that the expression of many VNN genes was upregulated in the bone and marrow from aged mice. Candidate genes from GWAS were investigated using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets to enrich for cell-specific expression signatures. VNN candidate genes are highly enriched in osteo-lineage cells, osteocytes, hypertrophic chondrocytes, and Lepr+ mesenchymal stem cells. These data were used to generate a "blueprint" for Cre-loxp mouse line selection for functional validation of candidate genes and further investigation of their role in BMD maintenance throughout aging. In VNN-gene-enriched cells, Sparc, encoding the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein osteonectin, was robustly expressed. This, along with expression of numerous other ECM genes, indicates that many VNN genes likely have roles in ECM deposition by osteoblasts. Overall, we provide data supporting streamlined translation of GWAS candidate genes to potential novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoporosis. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Doolittle
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sundeep Khosla
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Dominik Saul
- Division of EndocrinologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on AgingMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department for Trauma and Reconstructive SurgeryBG Clinic, University of TuebingenTuebingenGermany
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4
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Zhang S, Yan H, Ding J, Wang R, Feng Y, Zhang X, Kong X, Gong H, Lu X, Ma A, Hua Y, Liu H, Guo J, Gao H, Zhou Z, Wang R, Chen P, Liu T, Kong X. Skeletal muscle-specific DJ-1 ablation-induced atrogenes expression and mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to muscular atrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:2126-2142. [PMID: 37469245 PMCID: PMC10570112 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DJ-1 is a causative gene for Parkinson's disease. DJ-1-deficient mice develop gait-associated progressive behavioural abnormalities and hypoactive forearm grip strength. However, underlying activity mechanisms are not fully explored. METHODS Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction approaches were adopted to analyse DJ-1 expression in skeletal muscle from aged humans or mice and compared with young subjects. Skeletal muscle-specific-DJ-1 knockout (MDKO) mice were generated, followed by an assessment of the physical activity phenotypes (grip strength, maximal load capacity, and hanging, rotarod, and exercise capacity tests) of the MDKO and control mice on the chow diet. Muscular atrophy phenotypes (cross-sectional area and fibre types) were determined by imaging and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle morphology were evaluated by oxygen consumption rate and electron microscopy, respectively. Tail suspension was applied to address disuse atrophy. RNA-seq analysis was performed to indicate molecular changes in muscles with DJ-1 ablation. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were employed to identify the promoter region of Trim63 and Fbxo32 genes, which were indirectly regulated by DJ-1 via the FoxO1 pathway. Cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of DJ-1-deleted muscle cells were analysed by western blotting. Compound 23 was administered into the gastrocnemius muscle to mimic the of DJ-1 deletion effects. RESULTS DJ-1 expression decreased in atrophied muscles of aged human (young men, n = 2; old with aged men, n = 2; young women, n = 2; old with aged women, n = 2) and immobilization mice (n = 6, P < 0.01). MDKO mice exhibited no body weight difference compared with control mice on the chow diet (Flox, n = 8; MDKO, n = 9). DJ-1-deficient muscles were slightly dystrophic (Flox, n = 7; MDKO, n = 8; P < 0.05), with impaired physical activities and oxidative capacity (n = 8, P < 0.01). In disuse-atrophic conditions, MDKO mice showed smaller cross-sectional area (n = 5, P < 0.01) and more central nuclei than control mice (Flox, n = 7; MDKO, n = 6; P < 0.05), without alteration in muscle fibre types (Flox, n = 6; MDKO, n = 7). Biochemical analysis indicated that reduced mitochondrial function and upregulated of atrogenes induced these changes. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed enhanced activity of the FoxO1 signalling pathway in DJ-1-ablated muscles, which was responsible for the induction of atrogenes. Finally, compound 23 (an inhibitor of DJ-1) could mimic the effects of DJ-1 ablation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our results illuminate the crucial of skeletal muscle DJ-1 in the regulation of catabolic signals from mechanical stimulation, providing a therapeutic target for muscle wasting diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport. State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hongmei Yan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ruwen Wang
- School of KinesiologyShanghai University of SportShanghaiChina
| | - Yonghao Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Jinshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Human Phenome InstituteFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xingyu Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hongyu Gong
- School of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Precisional Medical Center, Jilin Province General HospitalChangchunChina
| | - Alice Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Yinghui Hua
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Jiani Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Huanqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhenqi Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, David Geffen School of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Ru Wang
- School of KinesiologyShanghai University of SportShanghaiChina
| | - Peijie Chen
- School of KinesiologyShanghai University of SportShanghaiChina
| | - Tiemin Liu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport. State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xingxing Kong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Liu J, Chen H, Li X, Song C, Wang L, Wang D. Micro-Executor of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:6202. [PMID: 37687031 PMCID: PMC10488769 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176202] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the major chronic metabolic diseases that threaten human health. In order to combat these epidemics, there remains a desperate need for effective, safe, and easily available therapeutic strategies. Recently, the development of natural product research has provided new methods and options for these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of metabolic diseases, and natural products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the expression of miRNAs. In this review, we present the recent advances involving the associations between miRNAs and natural products and the current evidence showing the positive effects of miRNAs for natural product treatment in metabolic diseases. We also encourage further research to address the relationship between miRNAs and natural products under physiological and pathological conditions, thus leading to stronger support for drug development from natural products in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Liu
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Huanwen Chen
- Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255000, China;
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Zibo Digital Agriculture and Rural Development Center, Zibo 255000, China;
| | - Chunmei Song
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Li Wang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Deguo Wang
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-Detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China
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Zhao Y, Zhao G, Chang Z, Zhu T, Zhao Y, Lu H, Xue C, Saunders TL, Guo Y, Chang L, Chen YE, Zhang J. Generating endogenous Myh11-driven Cre mice for sex-independent gene deletion in smooth muscle cells. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171661. [PMID: 37289544 PMCID: PMC10443793 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific and efficient smooth muscle cell-targeted (SMC-targeted) gene deletion is typically achieved by pairing SMMHC-CreERT2-Tg mice with mice carrying the loxP-flanked gene. However, the transgene, CreERT2, is not controlled by the endogenous Myh11 gene promoter, and the codon-modified iCreERT2 exhibits significant tamoxifen-independent leakage. Furthermore, because the Cre-bearing bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) is inserted onto the Y chromosome, the SMMHC-CreERT2-Tg mice strain can only exhibit gene deletions in male mice. Additionally, there is a lack of Myh11-driven constitutive Cre mice when tamoxifen usage is a concern. We used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination between a donor vector carrying the CreNLSP2A or CreERT2-P2A sequence and homologous arm surrounding the translation start site of the Myh11 gene to generate Cre-knockin mice. The P2A sequence enables the simultaneous translation of Cre and endogenous proteins. Using reporter mice, we assessed Cre-mediated recombination efficiency, specificity, tamoxifen-dependent controllability, and functionality in both sexes. Both constitutive (Myh11-CreNLSP2A) and inducible (Myh11-CreERT2-P2A) Cre mice demonstrated efficient, SMC-specific, sex-independent Cre recombinase activity without confounding endogenous gene expression. Combined with recently generated BAC transgenic Myh11-CreERT2-RAD mice and the Itga8-CreERT2 mouse models, our models will help expand the research toolbox, facilitating unbiased and comprehensive research in SMCs and SMC-dependent cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ziyi Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tianqing Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Haocheng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chao Xue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Thomas L. Saunders
- Transgenic Animal Model Core, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Bryant WB, Yang A, Griffin SH, Zhang W, Rafiq AM, Han W, Deak F, Mills MK, Long X, Miano JM. CRISPR-Cas9 Long-Read Sequencing for Mapping Transgenes in the Mouse Genome. CRISPR J 2023; 6:163-175. [PMID: 37071672 PMCID: PMC10123806 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microinjected transgenes, both large and small, are known to insert randomly into the mouse genome. Traditional methods of mapping a transgene are challenging, thus complicating breeding strategies and accurate interpretation of phenotypes, particularly when a transgene disrupts critical coding or noncoding sequences. As the vast majority of transgenic mouse lines remain unmapped, we developed CRISPR-Cas9 Long-Read Sequencing (CRISPR-LRS) to ascertain transgene integration loci. This novel approach mapped a wide size range of transgenes and uncovered more complex transgene-induced host genome re-arrangements than previously appreciated. CRISPR-LRS offers a facile, informative approach to establish robust breeding practices and will enable researchers to study a gene without confounding genetic issues. Finally, CRISPR-LRS will find utility in rapidly and accurately interrogating gene/genome editing fidelity in experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Bart Bryant
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Allison Yang
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan H. Griffin
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashiq M. Rafiq
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Weiping Han
- Department of Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ferenc Deak
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Katherine Mills
- Department of Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Yokoyama U, Oka S, Saito J. Molecular mechanisms regulating extracellular matrix-mediated remodeling in the ductus arteriosus. Semin Perinatol 2023; 47:151716. [PMID: 36906477 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Progressive remodeling throughout the fetal and postnatal period is essential for anatomical closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA). Internal elastic lamina interruption and subendothelial region widening, elastic fiber formation impairment in the tunica media, and intimal thickening are distinctive features of the fetal DA. After birth, the DA undergoes further extracellular matrix-mediated remodeling. Based on the knowledge obtained from mouse models and human disease, recent studies revealed a molecular mechanism of DA remodeling. In this review, we focus on matrix remodeling and regulation of cell migration/proliferation associated with DA anatomical closure and discuss the role of prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4) signaling and jagged1-Notch signaling as well as myocardin, vimentin, and secretory components including tissue plasminogen activator, versican, lysyl oxidase, and bone morphogenetic proteins 9 and 10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utako Yokoyama
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku 6-1-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 160-8402.
| | - Sayuki Oka
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku 6-1-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 160-8402
| | - Junichi Saito
- Department of Physiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku 6-1-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 160-8402
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9
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Choi H, Kim BG, Kim YH, Lee SJ, Lee YJ, Oh SP. BMP10 functions independently from BMP9 for the development of a proper arteriovenous network. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:167-186. [PMID: 36348215 PMCID: PMC9908740 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-022-09859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic vascular disorder characterized by the presence of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in multiple organs. HHT is caused by mutations in genes encoding major constituents for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family signaling: endoglin (ENG), activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), and SMAD4. The identity of physiological ligands for this ENG-ALK1 signaling pertinent to AVM formation has yet to be clearly determined. To investigate whether bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), BMP10, or both are physiological ligands of ENG-ALK1 signaling involved in arteriovenous network formation, we generated a novel Bmp10 conditional knockout mouse strain. We examined whether global Bmp10-inducible knockout (iKO) mice develop AVMs at neonatal and adult stages in comparison with control, Bmp9-KO, and Bmp9/10-double KO (dKO) mice. Bmp10-iKO and Bmp9/10-dKO mice showed AVMs in developing retina, postnatal brain, and adult wounded skin, while Bmp9-KO did not display any noticeable vascular defects. Bmp10 deficiency resulted in increased proliferation and size of endothelial cells in AVM vessels. The impaired neurovascular integrity in the brain and retina of Bmp10-iKO and Bmp9/10-dKO mice was detected. Bmp9/10-dKO mice exhibited the lethality and vascular malformation similar to Bmp10-iKO mice, but their phenotypes were more pronounced. Administration of BMP10 protein, but not BMP9 protein, prevented retinal AVM in Bmp9/10-dKO and endothelial-specific Eng-iKO mice. These data indicate that BMP10 is indispensable for the development of a proper arteriovenous network, whereas BMP9 has limited compensatory functions for the loss of BMP10. We suggest that BMP10 is the most relevant physiological ligand of the ENG-ALK1 signaling pathway pertinent to HHT pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Choi
- Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Research Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Bo-Gyeong Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, 155 Gaetbeol-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, 21999, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Kim
- Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Research Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Young Jae Lee
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, 155 Gaetbeol-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, 21999, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biochemistry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - S Paul Oh
- Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Research Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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10
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Davis MJ, Kim HJ, Li M, Zawieja SD. A vascular smooth muscle-specific integrin-α8 Cre mouse for lymphatic contraction studies that allows male-female comparisons and avoids visceral myopathy. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1060146. [PMID: 36714313 PMCID: PMC9878285 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1060146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The widely-used, tamoxifen-inducible, smooth muscle (SM)-specific Cre, Myh11-CreERT2 , suffers from two disadvantages: 1) it is carried on the Y-chromosome and thus only effective for gene deletion in male mice, and 2) it recombines in both vascular and non-vascular SM, potentially leading to unwanted or confounding gastrointestinal phenotypes. Here, we tested the effectiveness of a new, SM-specific Cre, based on the integrin α8 promoter (Itga8-CreERT2 ), that has been recently developed and characterized, to assess the effects of Cav1.2 deletion on mouse lymphatic SM function. Methods: Cav1.2 (the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel) is essential for lymphatic pacemaking and contraction and its deletion using either Myh11-CreERT2 or Itga8-CreERT2 abolished spontaneous lymphatic contractions. Mouse lymphatic contractile function was assessed using two ex vivo methods. Results: Myh11-CreERT2 ; Cav1.2 f/f mice died of gastrointestinal obstruction within 20 days of the first tamoxifen injection, preceded by several days of progressively poor health, with symptoms including weight loss, poor grooming, hunched posture, and reduced overall activity. In contrast, Itga8-CreERT2 ; Cav1.2 f/f mice survived for >80 days after induction and were in normal health until the time of sacrifice for experimental studies. Cav1.2 deletion was equally effective in male and female mice. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that Itga8-CreER T2 can be used to effectively delete genes in lymphatic smooth muscle while avoiding potentially lethal visceral myopathy and allowing comparative studies of lymphatic contractile function in both male and female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hae Jin Kim
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
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Ahmed RE, Tokuyama T, Anzai T, Chanthra N, Uosaki H. Sarcomere maturation: function acquisition, molecular mechanism, and interplay with other organelles. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210325. [PMID: 36189811 PMCID: PMC9527934 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
During postnatal cardiac development, cardiomyocytes mature and turn into adult ones. Hence, all cellular properties, including morphology, structure, physiology and metabolism, are changed. One of the most important aspects is the contractile apparatus, of which the minimum unit is known as a sarcomere. Sarcomere maturation is evident by enhanced sarcomere alignment, ultrastructural organization and myofibrillar isoform switching. Any maturation process failure may result in cardiomyopathy. Sarcomere function is intricately related to other organelles, and the growing evidence suggests reciprocal regulation of sarcomere and mitochondria on their maturation. Herein, we summarize the molecular mechanism that regulates sarcomere maturation and the interplay between sarcomere and other organelles in cardiomyocyte maturation. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The cardiomyocyte: new revelations on the interplay between architecture and function in growth, health, and disease’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan E Ahmed
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tokuyama
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Anzai
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Nawin Chanthra
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hideki Uosaki
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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12
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Warthi G, Faulkner JL, Doja J, Ghanam AR, Gao P, Yang AC, Slivano OJ, Barris CT, Kress TC, Zawieja SD, Griffin SH, Xie X, Ashworth A, Christie CK, Bryant WB, Kumar A, Davis MJ, Long X, Gan L, de Chantemèle EJB, Lyu Q, Miano JM. Generation and Comparative Analysis of an Itga8-CreER T2 Mouse with Preferential Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:1084-1100. [PMID: 36424917 PMCID: PMC9681021 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
All current smooth muscle cell (SMC) Cre mice similarly recombine floxed alleles in vascular and visceral SMCs. Here, we present an Itga8-CreER T2 knock-in mouse and compare its activity with a Myh11-CreER T2 mouse. Both Cre drivers demonstrate equivalent recombination in vascular SMCs. However, Myh11-CreER T2 mice, but not Itga8-CreER T2 mice, display high activity in visceral SMC-containing tissues such as intestine, show early tamoxifen-independent activity, and produce high levels of CreERT2 protein. Whereas Myh11-CreER T2 -mediated knockout of serum response factor (Srf) causes a lethal intestinal phenotype precluding analysis of the vasculature, loss of Srf with Itga8-CreER T2 (Srf Itga8 ) yields viable mice with no evidence of intestinal pathology. Male and female Srf Itga8 mice exhibit vascular contractile incompetence, and angiotensin II causes elevated blood pressure in wild type, but not Srf Itga8 , male mice. These findings establish the Itga8-CreER T2 mouse as an alternative to existing SMC Cre mice for unfettered phenotyping of vascular SMCs following selective gene loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Warthi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Jessica L. Faulkner
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Jaser Doja
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Amr R. Ghanam
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Pan Gao
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Allison C. Yang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Orazio J. Slivano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Candee T. Barris
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Taylor C. Kress
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Susan H. Griffin
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Alan Ashworth
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158
| | - Christine K. Christie
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - William B. Bryant
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Michael J. Davis
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | | | - Qing Lyu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Biomedical and Health Institute, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligence Technology, Chongqing, China 400714
- Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China 401147
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
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13
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Zhang F, Duan B, Zhou Z, Han L, Huang P, Ye Y, Wang Q, Huang F, Li J. Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal anti-chronic myocardial ischemia mechanism of Gualou Xiebai decoction. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115530. [PMID: 35830899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gualou Xiebai decoction (GLXB), a well-known classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, is a recorded and proven therapy for the management of cardiac diseases. However, its pharmacological characteristics and mechanism of action are unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of GLXB and its mechanism of action in an isoprenaline-induced rat model of chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI) were investigated by incorporating metabonomics and transcriptomics. Meanwhile, the echocardiographic evaluation, histopathological analysis, serum biochemistry assay, TUNEL assay and western blot analysis were detected to revealed the protective effects of GLXB on CMI. RESULTS The results of echocardiographic evaluation, histopathological analysis and serum biochemistry assay revealed that GLXB had a significantly cardioprotective performance by reversing echocardiographic abnormalities, restoring pathological disorders and converting the serum biochemistry perturbations. Further, the omics analysis indicated that many genes and metabolites were regulated after modeling and GLXB administration, and maintained the marked "high-low" or "low-high" trends. Meanwhile, the results from integrated bioinformatics analysis suggested that the interaction network mainly consisted of amino acid and organic acid metabolism. The results of TUNEL assay and western blot analysis complemented the findings of integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that GLXB has a curative effect in isoproterenol-induced CMI in rats. Integrated analysis based on transcriptomics and metabolomics studies revealed that the mechanism of GLXB in alleviating CMI was principally by the regulation of energy homeostasis and apoptosis, which was through a multi-component and multi-target treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Zhang
- Pharmacy School, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430061, China
| | - Bailu Duan
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Zhenxiang Zhou
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Lintao Han
- Pharmacy School, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430061, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430061, China; College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yan Ye
- Pharmacy School, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430061, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Prescription, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430061, China; College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Fang Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
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14
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Yao L, Rathnakar BH, Kwon HR, Sakashita H, Kim JH, Rackley A, Tomasek JJ, Berry WL, Olson LE. Temporal control of PDGFRα regulates the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in wound healing. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111192. [PMID: 35977484 PMCID: PMC9423027 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts by acquiring new contractile function. This is important for tissue repair, but it also contributes to organ fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) promotes tissue repair and fibrosis, but the relationship between PDGF and myofibroblasts is unclear. Using mice with lineage tracing linked to PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα) gene mutations, we examine cell fates during skin wound healing. Elevated PDGFRα signaling increases proliferation but unexpectedly delays the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, suggesting that PDGFRα must be downregulated for myofibroblast differentiation. In contrast, deletion of PDGFRα decreases proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation by reducing serum response factor (SRF) nuclear localization. Consequences of SRF deletion resemble PDGFRα deletion, but deletion of two SRF coactivators, MRTFA and MRTFB, specifically eliminates myofibroblasts. Our findings suggest a scenario where PDGFRα signaling initially supports proliferation of fibroblast progenitors to expand their number during early wound healing but, later, PDGFRα downregulation facilitates fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbiao Yao
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Bharath H Rathnakar
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Hae Ryong Kwon
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Hiromi Sakashita
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Jang H Kim
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Alex Rackley
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - James J Tomasek
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - William L Berry
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lorin E Olson
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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15
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Zheng G, He Z, Lu Y, Zhu Q, Jiang Y, Chen D, Lin S, Zhu C, Schwartz R. SRF-derived miR210 and miR30c both repress beating cardiomyocyte formation in the differentiation system of embryoid body. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 626:58-65. [PMID: 35970045 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.016] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) cooperates with various co-factors to manage the specification of diverse cell lineages during heart development. Many microRNAs mediate the function of SRF in this process. However, how are miR210 and miR30c involved in the decision of cardiac cell fates remains to be explored. In this study, we found that SRF directly controlled the cardiac expression of miR210. Both miR210 and miR30c blocked the formation of beating cardiomyocyte during embryoid body (EB) differentiation, a cellular model widely used for studying cardiogenesis. Both of anticipated microRNA targets and differentially expressed genes in day8 EBs were systematically determined and enriched with gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and Reactome. Functional enrichments of prediction microRNA targets and down-regulated genes in day8 EBs of miR210 suggested the importance of PI3K-Akt signal and ETS2 in miR210 inhibition of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Similar analyses revealed that miR30c repressed both developmental progress and the adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes during the differentiation of EBs. Taken together, SRF directs the expression of miR210 and miR30c, and they repress cardiac development via inhibiting the differentiation of cardiac muscle cell lineage as well as the cell proliferation. Through the regulation of specific microRNAs, the complication of SRF's function in heart development is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxing Zheng
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, The University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zhuzhen He
- Shenzhen Amcare Maternity Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518052, China
| | - Yingsi Lu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Robert Schwartz
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, The University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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PKN2 deficiency leads both to prenatal congenital cardiomyopathy and defective angiotensin II stress responses. Biochem J 2022; 479:1467-1486. [PMID: 35730579 PMCID: PMC9342899 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinase PKN2 is required for embryonic development and PKN2 knockout mice die as a result of failure in the expansion of mesoderm, cardiac development and neural tube closure. In the adult, cardiomyocyte PKN2 and PKN1 (in combination) are required for cardiac adaptation to pressure-overload. The specific role of PKN2 in contractile cardiomyocytes during development and its role in the adult heart remain to be fully established. We used mice with cardiomyocyte-directed knockout of PKN2 or global PKN2 haploinsufficiency to assess cardiac development and function using high resolution episcopic microscopy, MRI, micro-CT and echocardiography. Biochemical and histological changes were also assessed. Cardiomyocyte-directed PKN2 knockout embryos displayed striking abnormalities in the compact myocardium, with frequent myocardial clefts and diverticula, ventricular septal defects and abnormal heart shape. The sub-Mendelian homozygous knockout survivors developed cardiac failure. RNASeq data showed up-regulation of PKN2 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, suggesting an involvement in adult heart disease. Given the rarity of homozygous survivors with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of PKN2, the requirement for PKN2 in adult mice was explored using the constitutive heterozygous PKN2 knockout. Cardiac hypertrophy resulting from hypertension induced by angiotensin II was reduced in these haploinsufficient PKN2 mice relative to wild-type littermates, with suppression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. It is concluded that cardiomyocyte PKN2 is essential for heart development and the formation of compact myocardium and is also required for cardiac hypertrophy in hypertension. Thus, PKN signalling may offer therapeutic options for managing congenital and adult heart diseases.
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17
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Deshpande A, Shetty PMV, Frey N, Rangrez AY. SRF: a seriously responsible factor in cardiac development and disease. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:38. [PMID: 35681202 PMCID: PMC9185982 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00820-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that regulate embryogenesis and cardiac development are calibrated by multiple signal transduction pathways within or between different cell lineages via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms of action. The heart is the first functional organ to form during development, which highlights the importance of this organ in later stages of growth. Knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms underlying cardiac development and adult cardiac homeostasis paves the way for discovering therapeutic possibilities for cardiac disease treatment. Serum response factor (SRF) is a major transcription factor that controls both embryonic and adult cardiac development. SRF expression is needed through the duration of development, from the first mesodermal cell in a developing embryo to the last cell damaged by infarction in the myocardium. Precise regulation of SRF expression is critical for mesoderm formation and cardiac crescent formation in the embryo, and altered SRF levels lead to cardiomyopathies in the adult heart, suggesting the vital role played by SRF in cardiac development and disease. This review provides a detailed overview of SRF and its partners in their various functions and discusses the future scope and possible therapeutic potential of SRF in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Deshpande
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Prithviraj Manohar Vijaya Shetty
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Qiu C, Cao J, Martin BK, Li T, Welsh IC, Srivatsan S, Huang X, Calderon D, Noble WS, Disteche CM, Murray SA, Spielmann M, Moens CB, Trapnell C, Shendure J. Systematic reconstruction of cellular trajectories across mouse embryogenesis. Nat Genet 2022; 54:328-341. [PMID: 35288709 PMCID: PMC8920898 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis is characterized by rapid cellular proliferation and diversification. Within a few weeks, a single-cell zygote gives rise to millions of cells expressing a panoply of molecular programs. Although intensively studied, a comprehensive delineation of the major cellular trajectories that comprise mammalian development in vivo remains elusive. Here, we set out to integrate several single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets that collectively span mouse gastrulation and organogenesis, supplemented with new profiling of ~150,000 nuclei from approximately embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) embryos staged in one-somite increments. Overall, we define cell states at each of 19 successive stages spanning E3.5 to E13.5 and heuristically connect them to their pseudoancestors and pseudodescendants. Although constructed through automated procedures, the resulting directed acyclic graph (TOME (trajectories of mammalian embryogenesis)) is largely consistent with our contemporary understanding of mammalian development. We leverage TOME to systematically nominate transcription factors (TFs) as candidate regulators of each cell type's specification, as well as 'cell-type homologs' across vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Junyue Cao
- The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beth K Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tony Li
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xingfan Huang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Diego Calderon
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Stafford Noble
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine M Disteche
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Malte Spielmann
- Human Molecular Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cecilia B Moens
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cole Trapnell
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
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19
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Dinsmore CJ, Soriano P. Differential regulation of cranial and cardiac neural crest by serum response factor and its cofactors. eLife 2022; 11:e75106. [PMID: 35044299 PMCID: PMC8806183 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is an essential transcription factor that influences many cellular processes including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. SRF directly regulates and is required for immediate early gene (IEG) and actin cytoskeleton-related gene expression. SRF coordinates these competing transcription programs through discrete sets of cofactors, the ternary complex factors (TCFs) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs). The relative contribution of these two programs to in vivo SRF activity and mutant phenotypes is not fully understood. To study how SRF utilizes its cofactors during development, we generated a knock-in SrfaI allele in mice harboring point mutations that disrupt SRF-MRTF-DNA complex formation but leave SRF-TCF activity unaffected. Homozygous SrfaI/aI mutants die at E10.5 with notable cardiovascular phenotypes, and neural crest conditional mutants succumb at birth to defects of the cardiac outflow tract but display none of the craniofacial phenotypes associated with complete loss of SRF in that lineage. Our studies further support an important role for MRTF mediating SRF function in cardiac neural crest and suggest new mechanisms by which SRF regulates transcription during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Dinsmore
- Department of Cell, Development and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Department of Cell, Development and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
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20
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Coordination of endothelial cell positioning and fate specification by the epicardium. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4155. [PMID: 34230480 PMCID: PMC8260743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of an integrated coronary vasculature requires the specification of immature endothelial cells (ECs) into arterial and venous fates based on their localization within the heart. It remains unclear how spatial information controls EC identity and behavior. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing at key developmental timepoints to interrogate cellular contributions to coronary vessel patterning and maturation. We perform transcriptional profiling to define a heterogenous population of epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) that express unique chemokine signatures. We identify a population of Slit2+ EPDCs that emerge following epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which we term vascular guidepost cells. We show that the expression of guidepost-derived chemokines such as Slit2 are induced in epicardial cells undergoing EMT, while mesothelium-derived chemokines are silenced. We demonstrate that epicardium-specific deletion of myocardin-related transcription factors in mouse embryos disrupts the expression of key guidance cues and alters EPDC-EC signaling, leading to the persistence of an immature angiogenic EC identity and inappropriate accumulation of ECs on the epicardial surface. Our study suggests that EC pathfinding and fate specification is controlled by a common mechanism and guided by paracrine signaling from EPDCs linking epicardial EMT to EC localization and fate specification in the developing heart. It remains unclear how spatial information controls endothelial cell identity and behavior in the developing heart. Here the authors perform single cell RNA sequencing at key developmental timepoints in mice to interrogate cellular contributions to coronary vessel patterning and maturation in the epicardium.
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21
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Bernau K, Leet JP, Bruhn EM, Tubbs AJ, Zhu T, Sandbo N. Expression of serum response factor in the lung mesenchyme is essential for development of pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L174-L188. [PMID: 33978489 PMCID: PMC8321854 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00323.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix deposition characterizes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is orchestrated by myofibroblasts. The lung mesenchyme is an essential source of myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) has shown to be critical in the process of myofibroblast differentiation, its role in development of pulmonary fibrosis has not been determined in vivo. In this study, we observed that SRF expression localized to mesenchymal compartments, areas of dense fibrosis, and fibroblastic foci in human (IPF and normal) and bleomycin-treated mouse lungs. To determine the role of mesenchymal SRF in pulmonary fibrosis, we utilized a doxycycline-inducible, Tbx4 lung enhancer (Tbx4LE)-driven Cre-recombinase to disrupt SRF expression in the lung mesenchyme in vivo. Doxycycline-treated Tbx4LE-rtTA/TetO-Cre/tdTom/SRFf,f (and controls) were treated with a single intratracheal dose of bleomycin to induce pulmonary fibrosis and examined for lung mesenchymal expansion, pulmonary fibrosis, and inflammatory response. Bleomycin-treated Tbx4LE-rtTA/TetO-Cre/tdTom/SRFf,f mice showed decreased numbers of Tbx4LE-positive lung mesenchymal cells (LMCs) and collagen accumulation (via hydroxyproline assay) compared with controls. This effect was associated with SRF-null LMCs losing their proliferative and myofibroblast differentiation potential compared with SRF-positive controls. Together, these data demonstrate that SRF plays a critical role in LMC myofibroblast expansion during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. This sets the stage for pharmacological strategies that specifically target SRF in the lung mesenchyme as a potential means of treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan Paul Leet
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ellen Marie Bruhn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Austin James Tubbs
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Terry Zhu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nathan Sandbo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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22
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Jin H, Goossens P, Juhasz P, Eijgelaar W, Manca M, Karel JMH, Smirnov E, Sikkink CJJM, Mees BME, Waring O, van Kuijk K, Fazzi GE, Gijbels MJJ, Kutmon M, Evelo CTA, Hedin U, Daemen MJAP, Sluimer JC, Matic L, Biessen EAL. Integrative multiomics analysis of human atherosclerosis reveals a serum response factor-driven network associated with intraplaque hemorrhage. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e458. [PMID: 34185408 PMCID: PMC8236116 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While single-omics analyses on human atherosclerotic plaque have been very useful to map stage- or disease-related differences in expression, they only partly capture the array of changes in this tissue and suffer from scale-intrinsic limitations. In order to better identify processes associated with intraplaque hemorrhage and plaque instability, we therefore combined multiple omics into an integrated model. METHODS In this study, we compared protein and gene makeup of low- versus high-risk atherosclerotic lesion segments from carotid endarterectomy patients, as judged from the absence or presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, respectively. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and peptidomic data of this plaque cohort were aggregated and analyzed by DIABLO, an integrative multivariate classification and feature selection method. RESULTS We identified a protein-gene associated multiomics model able to segregate stable, nonhemorrhaged from vulnerable, hemorrhaged lesions at high predictive performance (AUC >0.95). The dominant component of this model correlated with αSMA- PDGFRα+ fibroblast-like cell content (p = 2.4E-05) and Arg1+ macrophage content (p = 2.2E-04) and was driven by serum response factor (SRF), possibly in a megakaryoblastic leukemia-1/2 (MKL1/2) dependent manner. Gene set overrepresentation analysis on the selected key features of this model pointed to a clear cardiovascular disease signature, with overrepresentation of extracellular matrix synthesis and organization, focal adhesion, and cholesterol metabolism terms, suggestive of the model's relevance for the plaque vulnerability. Finally, we were able to corroborate the predictive power of the selected features in several independent mRNA and proteomic plaque cohorts. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our integrative omics study has identified an intraplaque hemorrhage-associated cardiovascular signature that provides excellent stratification of low- from high-risk carotid artery plaques in several independent cohorts. Further study revealed suppression of an SRF-regulated disease network, controlling lesion stability, in vulnerable plaque, which can serve as a scaffold for the design of targeted intervention in plaque destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Jin
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Pieter Goossens
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Wouter Eijgelaar
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Marco Manca
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Joël M. H. Karel
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge EngineeringMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Evgueni Smirnov
- Department of Data Science and Knowledge EngineeringMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Olivia Waring
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Kim van Kuijk
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Gregorio E. Fazzi
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Marion J. J. Gijbels
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of Medical BiochemistryExperimental Vascular BiologyAmsterdam UMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Martina Kutmon
- Department of Bioinformatics (BiGCaT)Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Chris T. A. Evelo
- Department of Bioinformatics (BiGCaT)Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Ulf Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and SurgeryKarolinska InstituteSolnaSweden
| | - Mat J. A. P. Daemen
- Department of PathologyAmsterdam Cardiovascular SciencesAmsterdam UMCAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Judith C. Sluimer
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science (CVS)University of EdinburghEdinburghScotland
| | - Ljubica Matic
- Department of Molecular Medicine and SurgeryKarolinska InstituteSolnaSweden
| | - Erik A. L. Biessen
- Department of PathologySchool for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM)Maastricht UMC+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular ResearchRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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23
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MKL1 cooperates with p38MAPK to promote vascular senescence, inflammation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Redox Biol 2021; 41:101903. [PMID: 33667992 PMCID: PMC7937568 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a catastrophic disease with little effective therapy. Myocardin related transcription factor A (MRTFA, MKL1) is a multifaceted transcription factor, regulating diverse biological processes. However, a detailed understanding of the mechanistic role of MKL1 in AAA has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we showed induced MKL1 expression in thoracic and abdominal aneurysmal tissues, respectively in both mice and humans. MKL1 global knockout mice displayed reduced AAA formation and aortic rupture compared with wild-type mice. Both gene deletion and pharmacological inhibition of MKL1 markedly protected mice from aortic dissection, an early event in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAA formation. Loss of MKL1 was accompanied by reduced senescence/proinflammation in the vessel wall and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Mechanistically, a deficiency in MKL1 abolished AAA-induced p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activity. Similar to MKL1, loss of MAPK14 (p38α), the dominant isoform of p38MAPK family in VSMCs suppressed Ang II-induced AAA formation, vascular inflammation, and senescence marker expression. These results reveal a molecular pathway of AAA formation involving MKL1/p38MAPK stimulation and a VSMC senescent/proinflammatory phenotype. These data support targeting MKL1/p38MAPK pathway as a potential effective treatment for AAA. MKL1 expression is induced in both thoracic and abdominal aneurysmal tissues. Genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of MKL1 protect mice from aortic dissection and AAA induced by Ang II. Depletion of MKL1 in mice suppresses Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and senescence. Depletion of MKL1 blunts the activation of p38MAPK and STAT3 pathways. Loss of MAPK14 in VSMCs suppresses Ang II-induced AAA formation, vascular inflammation, and senescence marker expression.
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24
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Onuh JO, Qiu H. Serum response factor-cofactor interactions and their implications in disease. FEBS J 2020; 288:3120-3134. [PMID: 32885587 PMCID: PMC7925694 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a member of the Mcm1, Agamous, Deficiens, and SRF (MADS) box transcription factor, is widely expressed in all cell types and plays a crucial role in the physiological function and development of diseases. SRF regulates its downstream genes by binding to their CArG DNA box by interacting with various cofactors. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, therefore attracting increasing research attention due to the importance of this topic. This review's objective is to discuss the new progress in the studies of the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of SRF and its impacts in physiological and pathological conditions. Notably, we summarized the recent studies on the interaction of SRF with its two main types of cofactors belonging to the myocardin families of transcription factors and the members of the ternary complex factors. The knowledge of these mechanisms will create new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of many traits and disease pathogenesis especially, cardiovascular diseases and cancer that could serve as targets for pharmacological control and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oloche Onuh
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongyu Qiu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Mengmeng X, Yuejuan X, Sun C, Yanan L, Fen L, Kun S. Novel mutations of the SRF gene in Chinese sporadic conotruncal heart defect patients. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:95. [PMID: 32380971 PMCID: PMC7203814 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-01032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are a group of congenital heart malformations that cause anomalies of cardiac outflow tracts. In the past few decades, many genes related to CTDs have been reported. Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein that acts as transcription factor, and SRF was found to be a critical factor in heart development and to be strongly expressed in the myocardium of the developing mouse and chicken hearts. The targeted inactivation of SRF during heart development leads to embryonic lethality and myocardial defects in mice. METHODS To illustrate the relationship between SRF and human heart defects, we screened SRF mutations in 527 CTD patients, a cross sectional study. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocyte cells for target sequencing. The mutations of SRF were detected and validated by Sanger sequencing. The affection of the mutations on wild-type protein was analyzed by in silico softwares. Western blot and real time PCR were used to analyze the changes of the expression of the mutant mRNA and protein. In addition, we carried out dual luciferase reporter assay to explore the transcriptional activity of the mutant SRF. RESULTS Among the target sequencing results of 527 patients, two novel mutations (Mut1: c.821A > G p.G274D, the adenine(A) was mutated to guanine(G) at position 821 of the SRF gene coding sequences (CDS), lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Asparticacid(D) at position 274 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences; Mut2: c.880G > T p.G294C, the guanine(G) was mutated to thymine (T) at position 880 of the SRF CDS, lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Cysteine (C) at position 294 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences.) of SRF (NM_003131.4) were identified. Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that there were no obvious differences between the protein expression and mRNA transcription of mutants and wild-type SRF. A dual luciferase reporter assay showed that both SRF mutants (G274D and G294C) impaired SRF transcriptional activity at the SRF promoter and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) promoter (p < 0.05), additionally, the mutants displayed reduced synergism with GATA4. CONCLUSION These results suggest that SRF-p.G274D and SRF-p.G294C may have potential pathogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Mengmeng
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xu Yuejuan
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Chen Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lu Yanan
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Li Fen
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1678, Dongfang Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Sun Kun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Kongjiang road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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26
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Chakraborty R, Saddouk FZ, Carrao AC, Krause DS, Greif DM, Martin KA. Promoters to Study Vascular Smooth Muscle. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 39:603-612. [PMID: 30727757 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.312449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a critical component of blood vessel walls that provide structural support, regulate vascular tone, and allow for vascular remodeling. These cells also exhibit a remarkable plasticity that contributes to vascular growth and repair but also to cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia and restenosis, aneurysm, and transplant vasculopathy. Mouse models have been an important tool for the study of SMC functions. The development of smooth muscle-expressing Cre-driver lines has allowed for exciting discoveries, including recent advances revealing the diversity of phenotypes derived from mature SMC transdifferentiation in vivo using inducible CreER T2 lines. We review SMC-targeting Cre lines driven by the Myh11, Tagln, and Acta2 promoters, including important technical considerations associated with these models. Limitations that can complicate study of the vasculature include expression in visceral SMCs leading to confounding phenotypes, and expression in multiple nonsmooth muscle cell types, such as Acta2-Cre expression in myofibroblasts. Notably, the frequently employed Tagln/ SM22α- Cre driver expresses in the embryonic heart but can also confer expression in nonmuscular cells including perivascular adipocytes and their precursors, myeloid cells, and platelets, with important implications for interpretation of cardiovascular phenotypes. With new Cre-driver lines under development and the increasing use of fate mapping methods, we are entering an exciting new era in SMC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Chakraborty
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Fatima Zahra Saddouk
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Ana Catarina Carrao
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.)
| | - Diane S Krause
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Cell Biology, and Pathology (D.S.K.)
| | - Daniel M Greif
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Genetics (F.Z.S., D.M.G.)
| | - Kathleen A Martin
- From the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine (R.C., F.Z.S., A.C.C., D.M.G., K.A.M.).,Department of Pharmacology (K.A.M.), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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27
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Luo J, Jin FQ, Yin M, Jin ZG. Regulation of SRF protein stability by an autophagy-dependent pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 521:279-284. [PMID: 31668369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF), a key transcription factor, plays an important role in regulating cell functions such as proliferation and differentiation. Most proteins are unstable, and protein stability is regulated through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) or the autophagy lysosome pathway (ALP). Whether SRF is degraded and what mechanisms control SRF protein stability remain unexplored. Western blot analyses of cells treated with cycloheximide (CHX), a protein synthesis inhibitor, showed that SRF was degraded in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, we observed that SRF undergoes autophagy-dependent destruction, which is accelerated by serum deprivation. Through bioinformatics screening, we found that SRF contains the GSK3β phosphorylation motif (T/SPPXS): SPDSPPRSDPT, which is conserved from zebrafish to humans. Serum deprivation stimulated GSK3β activation that then potentiates SRF degradation through the autophagy lysosome pathway. Since SRF is important for numerous cellular activities, our results suggest that the autophagy-dependent SRF degradation pathway may provide a new avenue to modulate SRF-mediated cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinque Luo
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Felix Q Jin
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Meimei Yin
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Zheng Gen Jin
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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28
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Angelini A, Gorey MA, Dumont F, Mougenot N, Chatzifrangkeskou M, Muchir A, Li Z, Mericskay M, Decaux JF. Cardioprotective effects of α-cardiac actin on oxidative stress in a dilated cardiomyopathy mouse model. FASEB J 2019; 34:2987-3005. [PMID: 31908029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902389r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The expression of α-cardiac actin, a major constituent of the cytoskeleton of cardiomyocytes, is dramatically decreased in a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy triggered by inducible cardiac-specific serum response factor (Srf) gene disruption that could mimic some forms of human dilated cardiomyopathy. To investigate the consequences of the maintenance of α-cardiac actin expression in this model, we developed a new transgenic mouse based on Cre/LoxP strategy, allowing together the induction of SRF loss and a compensatory expression of α-cardiac actin. Here, we report that maintenance of α-cardiac actin within cardiomyocytes temporally preserved cytoarchitecture from adverse cardiac remodeling through a positive impact on both structural and transcriptional levels. These protective effects were accompanied in vivo by the decrease of ROS generation and protein carbonylation and the downregulation of NADPH oxidases NOX2 and NOX4. We also show that ectopic expression of α-cardiac actin protects HEK293 cells against oxidative stress induced by H2 O2 . Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of cardiac remodeling and contributes also to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Taken together, these findings indicate that α-cardiac actin could be involved in the regulation of oxidative stress that is a leading cause of adverse remodeling during dilated cardiomyopathy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Angelini
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mark-Alexander Gorey
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Florent Dumont
- Signalling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, INSERM UMR-S 1180, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Nathalie Mougenot
- Faculté de Médecine, Pierre et Marie Curie, INSERM UMS 28 Phénotypage du petit animal, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Maria Chatzifrangkeskou
- Center of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, INSERM UMRS 974, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Muchir
- Center of Research in Myology, Institut de Myologie, INSERM UMRS 974, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mathias Mericskay
- Signalling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, INSERM UMR-S 1180, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Jean-Francois Decaux
- Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), CNRS UMR 8256, INSERM ERL U1164, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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29
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García-Padilla C, Domínguez JN, Aránega AE, Franco D. Differential chamber-specific expression and regulation of long non-coding RNAs during cardiac development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194435. [PMID: 31678627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.194435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular development is governed by a complex interplay between inducting signals such as Bmps and Fgfs leading to activation of cardiac specific transcription factors such as Nkx2.5, Mef2c and Srf that orchestrate the initial steps of cardiogenesis. Over the last decade we have witnessed the discovery of novel layers of gene regulation, i.e. post-transcriptional regulation exerted by non-coding RNAs. The function role of small non coding RNAs has been widely demonstrated, e.g. miR-1 knockout display several cardiovascular abnormalities during embryogenesis. More recently long non-coding RNAs have been also reported to modulate gene expression and function in the developing heart, as exemplified by the embryonic lethal phenotypes of Fendrr and Braveheart knock out mice, respectively. In this study, we investigated the differential expression profile during cardiogenesis of previously reported lncRNAs in heart development. Our data revealed that Braveheart, Fendrr, Carmen display a preferential adult expression while Miat, Alien, H19 preferentially display chamber-specific expression at embryonic stages. We also demonstrated that these lncRNAs are differentially regulated by Nkx2.5, Srf and Mef2c, Pitx2 > Wnt > miRNA signaling pathway and angiotensin II and thyroid hormone administration. Importantly isoform-specific expression and distinct nuclear vs cytoplasmic localization of Braveheart, Carmen and Fendrr during chamber morphogenesis is observed, suggesting distinct functional roles of these lncRNAs in atrial and ventricular chambers. Furthermore, we demonstrate by in situ hybridization a dynamic epicardial, myocardial and endocardial expression of H19 during cardiac development. Overall our data support novel roles of these lncRNAs in different temporal and tissue-restricted fashion during cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Padilla
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Jorge N Domínguez
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Amelia E Aránega
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain.
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30
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Rangrez AY, Kilian L, Stiebeling K, Dittmann S, Schulze-Bahr E, Frey N, Frank D. A cardiac α-actin (ACTC1) p. Gly247Asp mutation inhibits SRF-signaling in vitro in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:500-505. [PMID: 31434612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified a novel, heterozygous, and non-synonymous ACTC1 mutation (p.Gly247Asp or G247D) in a large, multi-generational family, causing atrial-septal defect followed by late-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Molecular dynamics studies revealed possible actin polymerization defects as G247D mutation resides at the juncture of side-chain interaction, which was indeed confirmed by in vitro actin polymerization assays. Since polymerization/de-polymerization is important for the activation of Rho-GTPase-mediated serum response factor (SRF)-signaling, we studied the effect of G247D mutation using luciferase assay. Overexpression of native human ACTC1 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRVCMs) strongly activated SRF-signaling both in C2C12 cells and NRVCMs, whereas, G247D mutation abolished this activation. Mechanistically, we found reduced GTP-bound Rho-GTPase and increased nuclear localization of globular actin in NRVCMs overexpressing mutant ACTC1 possibly causing inhibition of SRF-signaling activation. In conclusion, our data suggests that human G247D ACTC1 mutation negatively regulates SRF-signaling likely contributing to the late-onset DCM observed in mutation carrier patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Lucia Kilian
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katharina Stiebeling
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sven Dittmann
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Eric Schulze-Bahr
- Institute for Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Derk Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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MKL1-actin pathway restricts chromatin accessibility and prevents mature pluripotency activation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1695. [PMID: 30979898 PMCID: PMC6461646 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin cytoskeleton is well-known for providing structural/mechanical support, but whether and how it regulates chromatin and cell fate reprogramming is far less clear. Here, we report that MKL1, the key transcriptional co-activator of many actin cytoskeletal genes, regulates genomic accessibility and cell fate reprogramming. The MKL1-actin pathway weakens during somatic cell reprogramming by pluripotency transcription factors. Cells that reprogram efficiently display low endogenous MKL1 and inhibition of actin polymerization promotes mature pluripotency activation. Sustained MKL1 expression at a level seen in typical fibroblasts yields excessive actin cytoskeleton, decreases nuclear volume and reduces global chromatin accessibility, stalling cells on their trajectory toward mature pluripotency. In addition, the MKL1-actin imposed block of pluripotency can be bypassed, at least partially, when the Sun2-containing linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is inhibited. Thus, we unveil a previously unappreciated aspect of control on chromatin and cell fate reprogramming exerted by the MKL1-actin pathway. MKL1 is a key transcriptional co-activator of actin cytoskeleton genes. Here the authors show that MKL1 activation in somatic cells reduces chromatin accessibility and hinders full reprogramming to pluripotency. Reduction of MKL1, disruption of actin cytoskeleton and its links to the nucleus relieve this repression.
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Miano JM, Long X, Lyu Q. CRISPR links to long noncoding RNA function in mice: A practical approach. Vascul Pharmacol 2019; 114:1-12. [PMID: 30822570 PMCID: PMC6435418 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Next generation sequencing has uncovered a trove of short noncoding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that act as molecular rheostats in the control of diverse homeostatic processes. Meanwhile, the tsunamic emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) editing has transformed our influence over all DNA-carrying entities, heralding global CRISPRization. This is evident in biomedical research where the ease and low-cost of CRISPR editing has made it the preferred method of manipulating the mouse genome, facilitating rapid discovery of genome function in an in vivo context. Here, CRISPR genome editing components are updated for elucidating lncRNA function in mice. Various strategies are highlighted for understanding the function of lncRNAs residing in intergenic sequence space, as host genes that harbor microRNAs or other genes, and as natural antisense, overlapping or intronic genes. Also discussed is CRISPR editing of mice carrying human lncRNAs as well as the editing of competing endogenous RNAs. The information described herein should assist labs in the rigorous design of experiments that interrogate lncRNA function in mice where complex disease processes can be modeled thus accelerating translational discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Miano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Qing Lyu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America
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Quijada P, Misra A, Velasquez LS, Burke RM, Lighthouse JK, Mickelsen DM, Dirkx RA, Small EM. Pre-existing fibroblasts of epicardial origin are the primary source of pathological fibrosis in cardiac ischemia and aging. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 129:92-104. [PMID: 30771308 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) and the SRF co-activators myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) are essential for epicardium-derived progenitor cell (EPDC)-mobilization during heart development; however, the impact of developmental EPDC deficiencies on adult cardiac physiology has not been evaluated. Here, we utilize the Wilms Tumor-1 (Wt1)-Cre to delete Mrtfs or Srf in the epicardium, which reduced the number of EPDCs in the adult cardiac interstitium. Deficiencies in Wt1-lineage EPDCs prevented the development of cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in aged mice. Mice lacking MRTF or SRF in EPDCs also displayed preservation of cardiac function following myocardial infarction partially due to the depletion of Wt1 lineage-derived cells in the infarct. Interestingly, depletion of Wt1-lineage EPDCs allows for the population of the infarct with a Wt1-negative cell lineage with a reduced fibrotic profile. Taken together, our study conclusively demonstrates the contribution of EPDCs to both ischemic cardiac remodeling and the development of diastolic dysfunction in old age, and reveals the existence of an alternative Wt1-negative source of resident fibroblasts that can populate the infarct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl Quijada
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Adwiteeya Misra
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Lissette S Velasquez
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ryan M Burke
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Janet K Lighthouse
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Deanne M Mickelsen
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ronald A Dirkx
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Eric M Small
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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34
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Nirwane A, Yao Y. Laminins and their receptors in the CNS. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:283-306. [PMID: 30073746 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). By interacting with integrin and non-integrin receptors, laminin exerts a large variety of important functions in the CNS in both physiological and pathological conditions. Due to the existence of many laminin isoforms and their differential expression in various cell types in the CNS, the exact functions of each individual laminin molecule in CNS development and homeostasis remain largely unclear. In this review, we first briefly introduce the structure and biochemistry of laminins and their receptors. Next, the dynamic expression of laminins and their receptors in the CNS during both development and in adulthood is summarized in a cell-type-specific manner, which allows appreciation of their functional redundancy/compensation. Furthermore, we discuss the biological functions of laminins and their receptors in CNS development, blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, neurodegeneration, stroke, and neuroinflammation. Last, key challenges and potential future research directions are summarized and discussed. Our goals are to provide a synthetic review to stimulate future studies and promote the formation of new ideas/hypotheses and new lines of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Nirwane
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, 240 W Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, 240 W Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
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35
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Trembley MA, Quijada P, Agullo-Pascual E, Tylock KM, Colpan M, Dirkx RA, Myers JR, Mickelsen DM, de Mesy Bentley K, Rothenberg E, Moravec CS, Alexis JD, Gregorio CC, Dirksen RT, Delmar M, Small EM. Mechanosensitive Gene Regulation by Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors Is Required for Cardiomyocyte Integrity in Load-Induced Ventricular Hypertrophy. Circulation 2018; 138:1864-1878. [PMID: 29716942 PMCID: PMC6202206 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.031788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertrophic cardiomyocyte growth and dysfunction accompany various forms of heart disease. The mechanisms responsible for transcriptional changes that affect cardiac physiology and the transition to heart failure are not well understood. The intercalated disc (ID) is a specialized intercellular junction coupling cardiomyocyte force transmission and propagation of electrical activity. The ID is gaining attention as a mechanosensitive signaling hub and hotspot for causative mutations in cardiomyopathy. METHODS Transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and single-molecule localization microscopy were used to examine changes in ID structure and protein localization in the murine and human heart. We conducted detailed cardiac functional assessment and transcriptional profiling of mice lacking myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A and MRTF-B specifically in adult cardiomyocytes to evaluate the role of mechanosensitive regulation of gene expression in load-induced ventricular remodeling. RESULTS We found that MRTFs localize to IDs in the healthy human heart and accumulate in the nucleus in heart failure. Although mice lacking MRTFs in adult cardiomyocytes display normal cardiac physiology at baseline, pressure overload leads to rapid heart failure characterized by sarcomere disarray, ID disintegration, chamber dilation and wall thinning, cardiac functional decline, and partially penetrant acute lethality. Transcriptional profiling reveals a program of actin cytoskeleton and cardiomyocyte adhesion genes driven by MRTFs during pressure overload. Indeed, conspicuous remodeling of gap junctions at IDs identified by single-molecule localization microscopy may partially stem from a reduction in Mapre1 expression, which we show is a direct mechanosensitive MRTF target. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes a novel paradigm in which MRTFs control an acute mechanosensitive signaling circuit that coordinates cross-talk between the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton and maintains ID integrity and cardiomyocyte homeostasis in heart disease.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- COS Cells
- Case-Control Studies
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Connexin 43/genetics
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Heart Failure/genetics
- Heart Failure/metabolism
- Heart Failure/pathology
- Heart Failure/physiopathology
- Humans
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/genetics
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/pathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/physiopathology
- Male
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/ultrastructure
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Single Molecule Imaging
- Trans-Activators/deficiency
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/deficiency
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Ventricular Function, Left
- Ventricular Remodeling
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Trembley
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Pearl Quijada
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Esperanza Agullo-Pascual
- The Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Kevin M. Tylock
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Mert Colpan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Ronald A. Dirkx
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Jason R. Myers
- Genomics Research Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Deanne M. Mickelsen
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | | | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | - Jeffrey D. Alexis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Carol C. Gregorio
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Robert T. Dirksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Eric M. Small
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Author for correspondence: Eric M. Small, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box CVRI, Rochester, NY 14642, Phone: (585)276-7706, Fax: (585) 276-9839,
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36
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Guo Y, Jardin BD, Zhou P, Sethi I, Akerberg BN, Toepfer CN, Ai Y, Li Y, Ma Q, Guatimosim S, Hu Y, Varuzhanyan G, VanDusen NJ, Zhang D, Chan DC, Yuan GC, Seidman CE, Seidman JG, Pu WT. Hierarchical and stage-specific regulation of murine cardiomyocyte maturation by serum response factor. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3837. [PMID: 30242271 PMCID: PMC6155060 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After birth, cardiomyocytes (CM) acquire numerous adaptations in order to efficiently pump blood throughout an animal's lifespan. How this maturation process is regulated and coordinated is poorly understood. Here, we perform a CRISPR/Cas9 screen in mice and identify serum response factor (SRF) as a key regulator of CM maturation. Mosaic SRF depletion in neonatal CMs disrupts many aspects of their maturation, including sarcomere expansion, mitochondrial biogenesis, transverse-tubule formation, and cellular hypertrophy. Maintenance of maturity in adult CMs is less dependent on SRF. This stage-specific activity is associated with developmentally regulated SRF chromatin occupancy and transcriptional regulation. SRF directly activates genes that regulate sarcomere assembly and mitochondrial dynamics. Perturbation of sarcomere assembly but not mitochondrial dynamics recapitulates SRF knockout phenotypes. SRF overexpression also perturbs CM maturation. Together, these data indicate that carefully balanced SRF activity is essential to promote CM maturation through a hierarchy of cellular processes orchestrated by sarcomere assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Blake D Jardin
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Pingzhu Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Isha Sethi
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Brynn N Akerberg
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christopher N Toepfer
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Yulan Ai
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Silvia Guatimosim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yongwu Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Wenzhou Medical University, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC 114-96, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Nathan J VanDusen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Donghui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, 430062, Wuhan, China
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, MC 114-96, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Christine E Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Jonathan G Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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37
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Chatzifrangkeskou M, Yadin D, Marais T, Chardonnet S, Cohen-Tannoudji M, Mougenot N, Schmitt A, Crasto S, Di Pasquale E, Macquart C, Tanguy Y, Jebeniani I, Pucéat M, Morales Rodriguez B, Goldmann WH, Dal Ferro M, Biferi MG, Knaus P, Bonne G, Worman HJ, Muchir A. Cofilin-1 phosphorylation catalyzed by ERK1/2 alters cardiac actin dynamics in dilated cardiomyopathy caused by lamin A/C gene mutation. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:3060-3078. [PMID: 29878125 PMCID: PMC6097156 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyper-activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 contributes to heart dysfunction in cardiomyopathy caused by mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA cardiomyopathy). The mechanism of how this affects cardiac function is unknown. We show that active phosphorylated ERK1/2 directly binds to and catalyzes the phosphorylation of the actin depolymerizing factor cofilin-1 on Thr25. Cofilin-1 becomes active and disassembles actin filaments in a large array of cellular and animal models of LMNA cardiomyopathy. In vivo expression of cofilin-1, phosphorylated on Thr25 by endogenous ERK1/2 signaling, leads to alterations in left ventricular function and cardiac actin. These results demonstrate a novel role for cofilin-1 on actin dynamics in cardiac muscle and provide a rationale on how increased ERK1/2 signaling leads to LMNA cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzifrangkeskou
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - David Yadin
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thibaut Marais
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Solenne Chardonnet
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM, UMS29 Omique, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Cohen-Tannoudji
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Mougenot
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM, UMS28 Phénotypage du Petit Animal, Paris F-75013, France
| | - Alain Schmitt
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016-CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75014, France
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council of Italy, Milan 20089, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Istituto Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, National Research Council of Italy, Milan 20089, Italy
| | - Coline Macquart
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Yannick Tanguy
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Imen Jebeniani
- Faculté de Médecine La Timone, Université Aix-Marseille, INSERM UMR910, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Michel Pucéat
- Faculté de Médecine La Timone, Université Aix-Marseille, INSERM UMR910, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Blanca Morales Rodriguez
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Wolfgang H Goldmann
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matteo Dal Ferro
- Cardiovascular Department, Ospedali Riuniti and University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria-Grazia Biferi
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gisèle Bonne
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Howard J Worman
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Antoine Muchir
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Paris 06, INSERM UMRS974, Center of Research in Myology, F-75013 Paris, France
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38
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Zhu B, Rippe C, Holmberg J, Zeng S, Perisic L, Albinsson S, Hedin U, Uvelius B, Swärd K. Nexilin/NEXN controls actin polymerization in smooth muscle and is regulated by myocardin family coactivators and YAP. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13025. [PMID: 30158653 PMCID: PMC6115340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nexilin, encoded by the NEXN gene, is expressed in striated muscle and localizes to Z-discs, influencing mechanical stability. We examined Nexilin/NEXN in smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and addressed if Nexilin localizes to dense bodies and dense bands and whether it is regulated by actin-controlled coactivators from the MRTF (MYOCD, MKL1, MKL2) and YAP/TAZ (YAP1 and WWTR1) families. NEXN expression in SMCs was comparable to that in striated muscles. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy suggested that Nexilin localizes to dense bodies and dense bands. Correlations at the mRNA level suggested that NEXN expression might be controlled by actin polymerization. Depolymerization of actin using Latrunculin B repressed the NEXN mRNA and protein in bladder and coronary artery SMCs. Overexpression and knockdown supported involvement of both YAP/TAZ and MRTFs in the transcriptional control of NEXN. YAP/TAZ and MRTFs appeared equally important in bladder SMCs, whereas MRTFs dominated in vascular SMCs. Expression of NEXN was moreover reduced in situations of SMC phenotypic modulation in vivo. The proximal promoter of NEXN conferred control by MRTF-A/MKL1 and MYOCD. NEXN silencing reduced actin polymerization and cell migration, as well as SMC marker expression. NEXN targeting by actin-controlled coactivators thus amplifies SMC differentiation through the actin cytoskeleton, probably via dense bodies and dense bands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden. .,Department of Urology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Qingyuan People's Hospital), 511518, Guangdong, China.
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shaohua Zeng
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Urology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Qingyuan People's Hospital), 511518, Guangdong, China
| | - Ljubica Perisic
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Uvelius
- Department of Clinical Science, Section of Urology, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
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39
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van Eldik W, den Adel B, Monshouwer-Kloots J, Salvatori D, Maas S, van der Made I, Creemers EE, Frank D, Frey N, Boontje N, van der Velden J, Steendijk P, Mummery C, Passier R, Beqqali A. Z-disc protein CHAPb induces cardiomyopathy and contractile dysfunction in the postnatal heart. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189139. [PMID: 29206857 PMCID: PMC5716575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The Z-disc is a crucial structure of the sarcomere and is implicated in mechanosensation/transduction. Dysregulation of Z-disc proteins often result in cardiomyopathy. We have previously shown that the Z-disc protein Cytoskeletal Heart-enriched Actin-associated Protein (CHAP) is essential for cardiac and skeletal muscle development. Furthermore, the CHAP gene has been associated with atrial fibrillation in humans. Here, we studied the misregulated expression of CHAP isoforms in heart disease. Methods and results Mice that underwent transverse aortic constriction and calcineurin transgenic (Tg) mice, both models of experimental heart failure, displayed a significant increase in cardiac expression of fetal isoform CHAPb. To investigate whether increased expression of CHAPb postnatally is sufficient to induce cardiomyopathy, we generated CHAPb Tg mice under the control of the cardiac-specific αMHC promoter. CHAPb Tg mice displayed cardiac hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis and enlargement of the left atrium at three months, which was more pronounced at the age of six months. Hypertrophy and fibrosis were confirmed by evidence of activation of the hypertrophic gene program (Nppa, Nppb, Myh7) and increased collagen expression, respectively. Connexin40 and 43 were downregulated in the left atrium, which was associated with delayed atrioventricular conduction. Tg hearts displayed both systolic and diastolic dysfunction partly caused by impaired sarcomere function evident from a reduced force generating capacity of single cardiomyocytes. This co-incided with activation of the actin signalling pathway leading to the formation of stress fibers. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the fetal isoform CHAPb initiates progression towards cardiac hypertrophy, which is accompanied by delayed atrioventricular conduction and diastolic dysfunction. Moreover, CHAP may be a novel therapeutic target or candidate gene for screening in cardiomyopathies and atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn van Eldik
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands (ICIN), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brigit den Adel
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniela Salvatori
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Maas
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ingeborg van der Made
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther E. Creemers
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Frank
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicky Boontje
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Steendijk
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Mummery
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Passier
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abdelaziz Beqqali
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Guo B, Lyu Q, Slivano OJ, Dirkx R, Christie CK, Czyzyk J, Hezel AF, Gharavi AG, Small EM, Miano JM. Serum Response Factor Is Essential for Maintenance of Podocyte Structure and Function. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 29:416-422. [PMID: 29114040 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017050473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Podocytes contain an intricate actin cytoskeleton that is essential for the specialized function of this cell type in renal filtration. Serum response factor (SRF) is a master transcription factor for the actin cytoskeleton, but the in vivo expression and function of SRF in podocytes are unknown. We found that SRF protein colocalizes with podocyte markers in human and mouse kidneys. Compared with littermate controls, mice in which the Srf gene was conditionally inactivated with NPHS2-Cre exhibited early postnatal proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and azotemia. Histologic changes in the mutant mice included glomerular capillary dilation and mild glomerulosclerosis, with reduced expression of multiple canonical podocyte markers. We also noted tubular dilation, cell proliferation, and protein casts as well as reactive changes in mesangial cells and interstitial inflammation. Ultrastructure analysis disclosed foot process effacement with loss of slit diaphragms. To ascertain the importance of SRF cofactors in podocyte function, we disabled the myocardin-related transcription factor A and B genes. Although loss of either SRF cofactor alone had no observable effect in the kidney, deficiency of both recapitulated the Srf-null phenotype. These results establish a vital role for SRF and two SRF cofactors in the maintenance of podocyte structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Guo
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Lyu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Orazio J Slivano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Ronald Dirkx
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Christine K Christie
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Jan Czyzyk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Aram F Hezel
- James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Ali G Gharavi
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Eric M Small
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York;
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Rangrez AY, Hoppe P, Kuhn C, Zille E, Frank J, Frey N, Frank D. MicroRNA miR-301a is a novel cardiac regulator of Cofilin-2. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183901. [PMID: 28886070 PMCID: PMC5590826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calsarcin-1 deficient mice develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype in pure C57BL/6 genetic background (Cs1-ko) despite severe contractile dysfunction and robust activation of fetal gene program. Here we performed a microRNA microarray to identify the molecular causes of this cardiac phenotype that revealed the dysregulation of several microRNAs including miR-301a, which was highly downregulated in Cs1-ko mice compared to the wild-type littermates. Cofilin-2 (Cfl2) was identified as one of the potential targets of miR-301a using prediction databases, which we validated by luciferase assay and mutation of predicted binding sites. Furthermore, expression of miR-301a contrastingly regulated Cfl2 expression levels in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCM). Along these lines, Cfl2 was significantly upregulated in Cs1-ko mice, indicating the physiological association between miR-301a and Cfl2 in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that Cfl2 activated serum response factor response element (SRF-RE) driven luciferase activity in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and in C2C12 cells. Similarly, knockdown of miR301a activated, whereas, its overexpression inhibited the SRF-RE driven luciferase activity, further strengthening physiological interaction between miR-301a and Cfl2. Interestingly, the expression of SRF and its target genes was strikingly increased in Cs1-ko suggesting a possible in vivo correlation between expression levels of Cfl2/miR-301a and SRF activation, which needs to be independently validated. In summary, our data demonstrates that miR-301a regulates Cofilin-2 in vitro in NRVCM, and in vivo in Cs1-ko mice. Our findings provide an additional and important layer of Cfl2 regulation, which we believe has an extended role in cardiac signal transduction and dilated cardiomyopathy presumably due to the reported involvement of Cfl2 in these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Yusuf Rangrez
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Phillip Hoppe
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kuhn
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elisa Zille
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Johanne Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Derk Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, Intensive Care), University Medical Center Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
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Recurrent SRF-RELA Fusions Define a Novel Subset of Cellular Myofibroma/Myopericytoma: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall With Sarcomas With Myogenic Differentiation. Am J Surg Pathol 2017; 41:677-684. [PMID: 28248815 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000000811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cellular myofibroblastic tumors other than desmoid-type fibromatosis are often diagnostically challenging due to their relative rarity, lack of known genetic abnormalities, and expression of muscle markers which may be confused with sarcomas with myogenic differentiation. In this study we investigate the molecular alterations of a group of cellular myofibroblastic lesions with in the myofibroma and myopericytoma spectrum for better subclassification. Two index cases were studied by paired-end RNA sequencing for potential fusion gene discovery. One chest wall soft tissue tumor in a 3-month-old girl case showed a SRF-C3orf62 fusion, while the other, a forearm lesion in an 8-year-old girl, showed a SRF-RELA fusion. Further screening of 42 cellular examples of myofibroma/myopericytoma by fluorescence in situ hybridization identified additional 8 cases with recurrent SRF gene rearrangements, 6 of them showing identical SRF-RELA fusions. The cohort was composed of 7 females and 3 males, with a wide age range of 3 months to 63 years (mean=17). All tumors showed a densely packed growth of oval to spindle cells with fibrillary eosinophilic cytoplasm, arranged either in intersecting fascicles or with a distinct nested pattern around a rich vascular network. Despite the dense cellularity and variable mitotic activity none of the lesions displayed nuclear pleomorphism or necrosis. All tumors showed coexpression for SMA and desmin, in most cases with a strong and diffuse pattern of staining, while myogenin was consistently negative. No distant metastases were seen in the few cases with follow-up information. A control group of 34 well-characterized myofibroblastic and perivascular tumors, including 10 typical myofibromas and 3 myopericytomas, were also investigated for SRF gene abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization and were negative. In summary, we report a subset of cellular variants of myofibroma and myopericytoma showing a smooth muscle-like immunophenotype and harboring recurrent SRF-RELA gene fusions, which mimic sarcomas with myogenic differentiation.
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Pagiatakis C, Sun D, Tobin SW, Miyake T, McDermott JC. TGFβ-TAZ/SRF signalling regulates vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation. FEBS J 2017; 284:1644-1656. [PMID: 28342289 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) do not terminally differentiate; they modulate their phenotype between proliferative and differentiated states, which is a major factor contributing to vascular diseases. TGFβ signalling has been implicated in inducing VSMC differentiation, although the exact mechanism remains largely unknown. Our goal was to assess the network of transcription factors involved in the induction of VSMC differentiation, and to determine the role of TAZ in promoting the quiescent VSMC phenotype. TGFβ robustly induces VSMC marker genes in 10T1/2 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and the potent transcriptional regulator TAZ has been shown to retain Smad complexes on DNA. Thus, the role of TAZ in regulation of VSMC differentiation was studied. Using primary aortic VSMCs coupled with siRNA-mediated gene silencing, our studies reveal that TAZ is required for TGFβ induction of smooth muscle genes and is also required for the differentiated VSMC phenotype; synergy between TAZ and SRF, and TAZ and Myocardin (MyoC856), in regulating smooth muscle gene activation was observed. These data provide evidence of components of a novel signalling pathway that links TGFβ signalling to induction of smooth muscle genes through a mechanism involving regulation of TAZ and SRF proteins. In addition, we report a physical interaction of TAZ and MyoC856. These observations elucidate a novel level of control of VSMC induction which may have implications for vascular diseases and congenital vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Pagiatakis
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions (CRBI), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions (CRBI), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie W Tobin
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions (CRBI), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - John C McDermott
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions (CRBI), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry (CRMS), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Zhao J, Wu W, Zhang W, Lu YW, Tou E, Ye J, Gao P, Jourd'heuil D, Singer HA, Wu M, Long X. Selective expression of TSPAN2 in vascular smooth muscle is independently regulated by TGF-β1/SMAD and myocardin/serum response factor. FASEB J 2017; 31:2576-2591. [PMID: 28258189 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601021r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tetraspanins (TSPANs) comprise a large family of 4-transmembrane domain proteins. The importance of TSPANs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is unexplored. Given that TGF-β1 and myocardin (MYOCD) are potent activators for VSMC differentiation, we screened for TGF-β1 and MYOCD/serum response factor (SRF)-regulated TSPANs in VSMC by using RNA-seq analyses and RNA-arrays. TSPAN2 was found to be the only TSPAN family gene induced by TGF-β1 and MYOCD, and reduced by SRF deficiency in VSMCs. We also found that TSPAN2 is highly expressed in smooth muscle-enriched tissues and down-regulated in in vitro models of VSMC phenotypic modulation. TSPAN2 expression is attenuated in mouse carotid arteries after ligation injury and in failed human arteriovenous fistula samples after occlusion by dedifferentiated neointimal VSMC. In vitro functional studies showed that TSPAN2 suppresses VSMC proliferation and migration. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TSPAN2 is regulated by 2 parallel pathways, MYOCD/SRF and TGF-β1/SMAD, via distinct binding elements within the proximal promoter. Thus, we identified the first VSMC-enriched and MYOCD/SRF and TGF-β1/SMAD-dependent TSPAN family member, whose expression is intimately associated with VSMC differentiation and negatively correlated with vascular disease. Our results suggest that TSPAN2 may play important roles in vascular disease.-Zhao, J., Wu, W., Zhang, W., Lu, Y. W., Tou, E., Ye, J., Gao, P., Jourd'heuil, D., Singer, H. A., Wu, M., Long, X. Selective expression of TSPAN2 in vascular smooth muscle is independently regulated by TGF-β1/SMAD and myocardin/serum response factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Emiley Tou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jiemei Ye
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - David Jourd'heuil
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Harold A Singer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Mingfu Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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Kubiniok P, Lavoie H, Therrien M, Thibault P. Time-resolved Phosphoproteome Analysis of Paradoxical RAF Activation Reveals Novel Targets of ERK. Mol Cell Proteomics 2017; 16:663-679. [PMID: 28188228 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m116.065128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules targeting aberrant RAF activity, like vemurafenib (PLX4032), are highly effective against cancers harboring the V600E BRAF mutation and are now approved for clinical use against metastatic melanoma. However, in tissues showing elevated RAS activity and in RAS mutant tumors, these inhibitors stimulate RAF dimerization, resulting in inhibitor resistance and downstream "paradoxical" ERK activation. To understand the global signaling response of cancer cells to RAF inhibitors, we profiled the temporal changes of the phosphoproteome of two colon cancer cell lines (Colo205 and HCT116) that respond differently to vemurafenib. Comprehensive data mining and filtering identified a total of 37,910 phosphorylation sites, 660 of which were dynamically modulated upon treatment with vemurafenib. We established that 83% of these dynamic phosphorylation sites were modulated in accordance with the phospho-ERK profile of the two cell lines. Accordingly, kinase substrate prediction algorithms linked most of these dynamic sites to direct ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation, supporting a low off-target rate for vemurafenib. Functional classification of target proteins indicated the enrichment of known (nuclear pore, transcription factors, and RAS-RTK signaling) and novel (Rho GTPases signaling and actin cytoskeleton) ERK-controlled functions. Our phosphoproteomic data combined with experimental validation established novel dynamic connections between ERK signaling and the transcriptional regulators TEAD3 (Hippo pathway), MKL1, and MKL2 (Rho serum-response elements pathway). We also confirm that an ERK-docking site found in MKL1 is directly antagonized by overlapping actin binding, defining a novel mechanism of actin-modulated phosphorylation. Altogether, time-resolved phosphoproteomics further documented vemurafenib selectivity and identified novel ERK downstream substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kubiniok
- From the ‡Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and.,Departments of §Chemistry
| | - Hugo Lavoie
- From the ‡Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and
| | - Marc Therrien
- From the ‡Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and .,‖Pathology and Cell Biology, and
| | - Pierre Thibault
- From the ‡Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and .,Departments of §Chemistry.,‡‡Biochemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centreville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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Gautam J, Zhang X, Yao Y. The role of pericytic laminin in blood brain barrier integrity maintenance. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36450. [PMID: 27808256 PMCID: PMC5093438 DOI: 10.1038/srep36450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Laminin, a major component of the basement membrane, plays an important role in blood brain barrier regulation. At the neurovascular unit, brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes synthesize and deposit different laminin isoforms into the basement membrane. It has been shown that laminin α4 (endothelial laminin) regulates vascular integrity at embryonic/neonatal stage, while astrocytic laminin maintains vascular integrity in adulthood. Here, we investigate the function of pericyte-derived laminin in vascular integrity. Using a conditional knockout mouse line, we report that loss of pericytic laminin leads to hydrocephalus and BBB breakdown in a small percentage (10.7%) of the mutants. Interestingly, BBB disruption always goes hand-in-hand with hydrocephalus in these mutants, and neither symptom is observed in the rest 89.3% of the mutants. Further mechanistic studies show that reduced tight junction proteins, diminished AQP4 expression, and decreased pericyte coverage are responsible for the BBB disruption. Together, these data suggest that pericyte-derived laminin is involved in the maintenance of BBB integrity and regulation of ventricular size/development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Gautam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 1110 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Xuanming Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 1110 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 1110 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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Ectopic expression of Cripto-1 in transgenic mouse embryos causes hemorrhages, fatal cardiac defects and embryonic lethality. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34501. [PMID: 27687577 PMCID: PMC5043281 DOI: 10.1038/srep34501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted disruption of Cripto-1 in mice caused embryonic lethality at E7.5, whereas we unexpectedly found that ectopic Cripto-1 expression in mouse embryos also led to embryonic lethality, which prompted us to characterize the causes and mechanisms underlying embryonic death due to ectopic Cripto-1 expression. RCLG/EIIa-Cre embryos displayed complex phenotypes between embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) and E17.5, including fatal hemorrhages (E14.5-E15.5), embryo resorption (E14.5-E17.5), pale body surface (E14.5-E16.5) and no abnormal appearance (E14.5-E16.5). Macroscopic and histological examination revealed that ectopic expression of Cripto-1 transgene in RCLG/EIIa-Cre embryos resulted in lethal cardiac defects, as evidenced by cardiac malformations, myocardial thinning, failed assembly of striated myofibrils and lack of heartbeat. In addition, Cripto-1 transgene activation beginning after E8.5 also caused the aforementioned lethal cardiac defects in mouse embryos. Furthermore, ectopic Cripto-1 expression in embryonic hearts reduced the expression of cardiac transcription factors, which is at least partially responsible for the aforementioned lethal cardiac defects. Our results suggest that hemorrhages and cardiac abnormalities are two important lethal factors in Cripto-1 transgenic mice. Taken together, these findings are the first to demonstrate that sustained Cripto-1 transgene expression after E11.5 causes fatal hemorrhages and lethal cardiac defects, leading to embryonic death at E14.5-17.5.
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Coletti D, Daou N, Hassani M, Li Z, Parlakian A. Serum Response Factor in Muscle Tissues: From Development to Ageing. Eur J Transl Myol 2016; 26:6008. [PMID: 27478561 PMCID: PMC4942704 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2016.6008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells share various common characteristic features. During development the embryonic mesodermal layer contribute at different proportions to the formation of these tissues. At the functional level, contractility as well as its decline during ageing, are also common features. Cytoskeletal components of these tissues are characterized by various actin isoforms that govern through their status (polymerised versus monomeric) and their interaction with the myosins the contractile properties of these muscles. Finally, at the molecular level, a set of different transcription factors with the notable exception of Serum Response Factor SRF- which is commonly enriched in the 3 types of muscle- drive and maintain the differentiation of these cells (Myf5, MyoD, Myogenin for skeletal muscle; Nkx2.5, GATA4 for cardiomyocytes). In this review, we will focus on the transcription factor SRF and its role in the homeostasis of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscle tissues as well as its behaviour during the age related remodelling process of these tissues with a specific emphasis on animal models and human data when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Coletti
- Sorbonne University, UPMC, Department of Biological Adaptation and Ageing, IBPS, UMR 8256 CNRS, INSERM U1164, Paris, France; Dept of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Ortopedics, School of Medicine Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Nissrine Daou
- Sorbonne University, UPMC , Department of Biological Adaptation and Ageing, IBPS, UMR 8256 CNRS, INSERM U1164, Paris, France
| | - Medhi Hassani
- Sorbonne University, UPMC , Department of Biological Adaptation and Ageing, IBPS, UMR 8256 CNRS, INSERM U1164, Paris, France
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Sorbonne University, UPMC , Department of Biological Adaptation and Ageing, IBPS, UMR 8256 CNRS, INSERM U1164, Paris, France
| | - Ara Parlakian
- Sorbonne University, UPMC , Department of Biological Adaptation and Ageing, IBPS, UMR 8256 CNRS, INSERM U1164, Paris, France
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50
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Ro S. Multi-phenotypic Role of Serum Response Factor in the Gastrointestinal System. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 22:193-200. [PMID: 26727951 PMCID: PMC4819857 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is a master transcription factor of the actin cytoskeleton that binds to highly conserved CArG boxes located within the majority of smooth muscle cell (SMC)-restricted promoters/enhancers. Although most studies of SRF focus on skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and vascular SMCs, SRF research has recently expanded into the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Genome scale analyses of GI SMC transcriptome and CArG boxes (CArGome) have identified new SRF target genes. In addition to circular and longitudinal smooth muscle layers, SRF is also expressed in GI mucosa and cancers. In the GI tract, SRF is the central regulator of genes involved in apoptosis, dedifferentiation, proliferation, and migration of cells. Since SRF is the cell phenotypic modulator, it may play an essential role in the development of myopathy, hypertrophy, ulcers, gastric and colon cancers within the GI tract. Given the multi-functional role displayed by SRF in the digestive system, SRF has received more attention emerging as a potential therapeutic target. This review summarizes the findings in SRF research pertaining to the GI tract and provides valuable insight into future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
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