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Gumede DB, Abrahamse H, Houreld NN. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its interplay with TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways for the treatment of chronic wounds. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:244. [PMID: 38671406 PMCID: PMC11046856 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is a tightly regulated process that ensures tissue repair and normal function following injury. It is modulated by activation of pathways such as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Dysregulation of this process causes poor wound healing, which leads to tissue fibrosis and ulcerative wounds. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in all phases of wound healing, primarily in the proliferative phase for formation of granulation tissue. This review focuses on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in wound healing, and its transcriptional regulation of target genes. The crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and the TGF-β signaling pathways, as well as the deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronic wounds are also considered, with a special focus on diabetic ulcers. Lastly, we discuss current and prospective therapies for chronic wounds, with a primary focus on strategies that target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway such as photobiomodulation for healing diabetic ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimakatso B Gumede
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Nicolette N Houreld
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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2
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Improta-Caria AC, Rodrigues LF, Joaquim VHA, De Sousa RAL, Fernandes T, Oliveira EM. MicroRNAs regulating signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: potential role of the exercise training. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H497-H510. [PMID: 38063810 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00410.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity develop long-term fibrotic processes in the heart, promoting pathological cardiac remodeling, including after myocardial infarction, reparative fibrotic processes also occur. These processes are regulated by many intracellular signaling pathways that have not yet been completely elucidated, including those associated with microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are small RNA transcripts (18-25 nucleotides in length) that act as posttranscriptionally regulators of gene expression, inhibiting or degrading one or more target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and proven to be involved in many biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, directly affecting the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiac fibrosis. Exercise training can modulate the expression of miRNAs and it is known to be beneficial in various cardiovascular diseases, attenuating cardiac fibrosis processes. However, the signaling pathways modulated by the exercise associated with miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis were not fully understood. Thus, this review aims to analyze the expression of miRNAs that modulate signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis processes that can be regulated by exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Cleber Improta-Caria
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Antonio Joaquim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilamar Menezes Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Medicine, USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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3
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Liu C, Zhou D, Zhang Q, Wei H, Lu Y, Li B, Zhan H, Cheng J, Wang C, Yang Y, Li S, Hu C, Liao X. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) improves ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction by inhibiting Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15841. [PMID: 37609444 PMCID: PMC10441526 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) compromises cardiac function and increases heart failure risk. Until now, comprehension of the role transcription factor EB (TFEB) plays after MI is limited. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of TFEB on fibroblasts differentiation and extracellular matrix expression after MI. Methods AAV9 (adeno-associated virus) mediated up- and down-regulated TFEB expressions were generated in C57BL/6 mice two weeks before the MI modeling. Echocardiography, Masson, Sirius red staining immunofluorescence, and wheat germ agglutinin staining were performed at 3 days, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after MI modeling. Fibroblasts collected from SD neonatal rats were transfected by adenovirus and siRNA, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), immunofluorescence, wound healing and Transwell assay were conducted. Myocardial fibrosis-related proteins were identified by Western blot. PNU-74654 (100 ng/mL) was used for 12 hours to inhibit β-catenin-TCF/LEF1 complex. Results The up-regulation of TFEB resulted in reduced fibroblasts proliferation and its differentiation into myofibroblasts in vitro studies. A significant up-regulation of EF and down-regulation of myocyte area was shown in the AAV9-TFEB group. Meanwhile, decreased protein level of α-SMA and collagen I were observed in vitro study. TFEB didn't affect the concentration of β-catenin. Inhibition of TFEB, which promoted cell migration, proliferation and collagen I expression, was counteracted by PNU-74654. Conclusions TFEB demonstrated potential in restraining fibrosis after MI by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dawang Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongyan Wei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanzheng Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haohong Zhan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingge Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuyue Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yilin Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxing Liao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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Comparison of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis and Viral Myocarditis Pathology. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020362. [PMID: 36851240 PMCID: PMC9967770 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020362] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant loss of life and severe disability, justifying the expedited testing and approval of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. While found to be safe and effective, there have been increasing reports of myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration. The acute events have been severe enough to require admission to the intensive care unit in some, but most patients fully recover with only rare deaths reported. The pathways involved in the development of vaccine-associated myocarditis are highly dependent on the specific vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is believed to be primarily caused by uncontrolled cytokine-mediated inflammation with possible genetic components in the interleukin-6 signaling pathway. There is also a potential autoimmune component via molecular mimicry. Many of these pathways are similar to those seen in viral myocarditis, indicating a common pathophysiology. There is concern for residual cardiac fibrosis and increased risk for the development of cardiomyopathies later in life. This is of particular interest for patients with congenital heart defects who are already at increased risk for fibrotic cardiomyopathies. Though the risk for vaccine-associated myocarditis is important to consider, the risk of viral myocarditis and other injury is far greater with COVID-19 infection. Considering these relative risks, it is still recommended that the general public receive vaccination against COVID-19, and it is particularly important for congenital heart defect patients to receive vaccination for COVID-19.
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Bertaud A, Joshkon A, Heim X, Bachelier R, Bardin N, Leroyer AS, Blot-Chabaud M. Signaling Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Cardiac Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021756. [PMID: 36675283 PMCID: PMC9866199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis constitutes irreversible necrosis of the heart muscle as a consequence of different acute (myocardial infarction) or chronic (diabetes, hypertension, …) diseases but also due to genetic alterations or aging. Currently, there is no curative treatment that is able to prevent or attenuate this phenomenon that leads to progressive cardiac dysfunction and life-threatening outcomes. This review summarizes the different targets identified and the new strategies proposed to fight cardiac fibrosis. Future directions, including the use of exosomes or nanoparticles, will also be discussed.
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Zhang L, Lin Y, Wang K, Han L, Zhang X, Gao X, Li Z, Zhang H, Zhou J, Yu H, Fu X. Multiple-model machine learning identifies potential functional genes in dilated cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1044443. [PMID: 36712235 PMCID: PMC9874116 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1044443] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Machine learning (ML) has gained intensive popularity in various fields, such as disease diagnosis in healthcare. However, it has limitation for single algorithm to explore the diagnosing value of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We aim to develop a novel overall normalized sum weight of multiple-model MLs to assess the diagnosing value in DCM. Methods Gene expression data were selected from previously published databases (six sets of eligible microarrays, 386 samples) with eligible criteria. Two sets of microarrays were used as training; the others were studied in the testing sets (ratio 5:1). Totally, we identified 20 differently expressed genes (DEGs) between DCM and control individuals (7 upregulated and 13 down-regulated). Results We developed six classification ML methods to identify potential candidate genes based on their overall weights. Three genes, serine proteinase inhibitor A3 (SERPINA3), frizzled-related proteins (FRPs) 3 (FRZB), and ficolin 3 (FCN3) were finally identified as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Interestingly, we found all three genes correlated considerably with plasma cells. Importantly, not only in training sets but also testing sets, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for SERPINA3, FRZB, and FCN3 were greater than 0.88. The ROC of SERPINA3 was significantly high (0.940 in training and 0.918 in testing sets), indicating it is a potentially functional gene in DCM. Especially, the plasma levels in DCM patients of SERPINA3, FCN, and FRZB were significant compared with healthy control. Discussion SERPINA3, FRZB, and FCN3 might be potential diagnosis targets for DCM, Further verification work could be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yexiang Lin
- Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lifeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiumei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Jiashun Zhou
- Tianjin Jinghai District Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Heshui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Heshui Yu,
| | - Xuebin Fu
- Department of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Xuebin Fu,
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Wienecke LM, Leid JM, Leuschner F, Lavine KJ. Imaging Targets to Visualize the Cardiac Immune Landscape in Heart Failure. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2023; 16:e014071. [PMID: 36649453 PMCID: PMC9858350 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.122.014071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure involves a complex interplay between diverse populations of immune cells that dynamically shift across the natural history of disease. Within this context, the character of the immune response is a key determinant of clinical outcomes. Recent technological advances in single-cell transcriptomic, spatial, and proteomic technologies have fueled an explosion of new and clinically relevant insights into distinct immune cell populations that reside within the diseased heart including potential targets for molecular imaging and therapy. In this review, we will discuss the immune cell types and their respective functions with respect to myocardial infarction remodeling, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In addition, we give a brief overview regarding myocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis as inflammatory heart failure etiologies. We will highlight markers and cell populations as targets for molecular imaging to visualize inflammation and tissue healing and discuss clinical implications including the development and implementation of precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Wienecke
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jamison M. Leid
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Florian Leuschner
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kory J. Lavine
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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miR-96-5p regulates myocardial infarction-induced cardiac fibrosis via Smad7/Smad3 pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1874-1888. [PMID: 36789690 PMCID: PMC10157616 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic remodelling contributes to heart failure in myocardial infarction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in myocardial fibrosis. However, current antifibrotic therapeutic strategies using miRNAs are far from effective. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of miR-96-5p on cardiac fibrosis. Our work reveals a significant upregulation of miR-96-5p level in the ventricular tissues of myocardial infarction mice, as well as in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β or Ang II as shown by qPCR assay. In myocardial infarction mice, miR-96-5p knockdown using antagomir alleviates the aggravated cardiac fibrosis and exacerbated myocardial function caused by myocardial infarction surgery as shown by the echocardiography and Masson's staining analysis. In contrast, immunofluorescence staining results reveal that miR-96-5p overexpression in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts contributes to an increase in the expressions of fibrosis-associated genes and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts. Conversely, miR-96-5p downregulation using inhibitor presents adverse consequences. Furthermore, Smad7 expression is downregulated in fibrotic cardiac tissues, and the Smad7 gene is identified as a direct target of miR-96-5p by dual luciferase assay. Indeed, Smad7 knockdown weakens the anti-fibrotic effect of the miR-96-5p inhibitor on cardiac fibroblasts. Moreover, Smad3 phosphorylation is elevated in fibrotic cardiac tissues, and interestingly, the Smad3 inhibitor suppresses the profibrotic effect of the miR-96-5p mimic. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the Smad7/Smad3 signaling pathway mediates the profibrotic effect of miR-96-5p in cardiac fibrosis.
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Meyer IS, Li X, Meyer C, Voloshanenko O, Pohl S, Boutros M, Katus HA, Frey N, Leuschner F. Blockade of Wnt Secretion Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the Inflammatory Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012252. [PMID: 36293109 PMCID: PMC9602582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt (a portmanteau of Wingless and Int-1) signaling in the adult heart is largely quiescent. However, there is accumulating evidence that it gets reactivated during the healing process after myocardial infarction (MI). We here tested the therapeutic potential of the Wnt secretion inhibitor LGK-974 on MI healing. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced in mice and Wnt signaling was inhibited by oral administration of the porcupine inhibitor LGK-974. The transcriptome was analyzed from infarcted tissue by using RNA sequencing analysis. The inflammatory response after I/R was evaluated by flow cytometry. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography and fibrosis by Masson's trichrome staining. Transcriptome and gene set enrichment analysis revealed a modulation of the inflammatory response upon administration of the Wnt secretion inhibitor LGK-974 following I/R. In addition, LGK-974-treated animals showed an attenuated inflammatory response and improved heart function. In an in vitro model of hypoxic cardiomyocyte and monocyte/macrophage interaction, LGK974 inhibited the activation of Wnt signaling in monocytes/macrophages and reduced their pro-inflammatory phenotype. We here show that Wnt signaling affects inflammatory processes after MI. The Wnt secretion inhibitor LGK-974 appears to be a promising compound for future immunomodulatory approaches to improve cardiac remodeling after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Sören Meyer
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xue Li
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carina Meyer
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Susann Pohl
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hugo Albert Katus
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Leuschner
- Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg-Mannheim, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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New Insights into the Functions of MicroRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081390. [PMID: 36011301 PMCID: PMC9407613 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant global health problem associated with almost all types of heart disease. Extensive cardiac fibrosis reduces tissue compliance and contributes to adverse outcomes, such as cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and even heart failure. It is mainly associated with pathological myocardial remodeling, characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in cardiac parenchymal tissues. In recent years, a growing body of evidence demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a crucial role in the pathological development of cardiac fibrosis. More than sixty miRNAs have been associated with the progression of cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we summarized potential miRNAs and miRNAs-related regulatory mechanisms for cardiac fibrosis and discussed the potential clinical application of miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis.
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Liu M, Lin Y, Xu H, Li L, Ding T. Combination of Sophora flavescens alkaloids and Panax quinquefolium saponins modulates different stages of experimental autoimmune myocarditis via the NF‑κB and TGF‑β1 pathways. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:570. [PMID: 36034755 PMCID: PMC9400131 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic cardiac inflammation and fibrosis can progress into severe forms of cardiomyopathy. Sophora flavescens alkaloids (KuShen) have been previously reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects, whereas Panax quinquefolium saponins (XiYangShen) has been shown to alleviate cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, the potential effects of their combination (KX) on different stages of autoimmune myocarditis were investigated in the present study. Mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: Control; experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM); KX-High (275 mg/kg); and KX-Low (138 mg/kg). A 21-day and a 60-day EAM model was established through multi-site subcutaneous injections of cardiac myosin mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant on days 0, 7, 21 and 42. Mice in the High and Low KX groups were treated by gavage (10 ml/kg) daily from day 0 (1 day before treatment) until sacrifice (day 21 or 60). Mice in the control and EAM groups received an equivalent volume of distilled water. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, collagen type I (Col Ⅰ) and collagen type III (Col Ⅲ) were measured by ELISA in the mouse myocardial tissues or serum. Myocardial tissue structure and extent of fibrosis were visualized using H&E and Masson's staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression levels NF-κB and TGF-β1 pathway proteins in the myocardial tissues. The degree of inflammation in the 21-day EAM model was found to be significantly higher compared with that in the 60-day EAM model. KX significantly reduced the inflammatory response at 21 days by decreasing the expression levels of CK-MB, LDH, cTn-I, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β-activated kinase 1-binding protein 1/NF-κB pathway proteins. Myocardial fibrosis in the 60-day EAM model was also significantly worse compared with that in the 21-day EAM model. However, fibrosis was significantly delayed by treatment with KX. In addition, KX significantly decreased the expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad4, Col I and Col III. Therefore, these data suggest that KX is beneficial for treating myocarditis by targeting multiple pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Huibo Xu
- Pharmacodynamic and Toxicological Evaluation Center, Jilin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Lixin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Jilin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Ding
- Pharmacodynamic and Toxicological Evaluation Center, Jilin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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12
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Cucu I, Nicolescu MI, Busnatu ȘS, Manole CG. Dynamic Involvement of Telocytes in Modulating Multiple Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Cytoarchitecture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5769. [PMID: 35628576 PMCID: PMC9143034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac interstitium is a complex and dynamic environment, vital for normal cardiac structure and function. Telocytes are active cellular players in regulating main events that feature myocardial homeostasis and orchestrating its involvement in heart pathology. Despite the great amount of data suggesting (microscopically, proteomically, genetically, etc.) the implications of telocytes in the different physiological and reparatory/regenerative processes of the heart, understanding their involvement in realizing the heart's mature cytoarchitecture is still at its dawn. Our scrutiny of the recent literature gave clearer insights into the implications of telocytes in the WNT signaling pathway, but also TGFB and PI3K/AKT pathways that, inter alia, conduct cardiomyocytes differentiation, maturation and final integration into heart adult architecture. These data also strengthen evidence for telocytes as promising candidates for cellular therapies in various heart pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cucu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan-Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardiology-“Bagdasar Arseni” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Gabriel Manole
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Pathology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Bachmann JC, Baumgart SJ, Uryga AK, Bosteen MH, Borghetti G, Nyberg M, Herum KM. Fibrotic Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: The Dual Roles of Fibrosis in HFpEF and CAD. Cells 2022; 11:1657. [PMID: 35626694 PMCID: PMC9139546 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerosis-driven coronary artery disease (CAD) will have ongoing fibrotic remodeling both in the myocardium and in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the functional consequences of fibrosis differ for each location. Thus, cardiac fibrosis leads to myocardial stiffening, thereby compromising cardiac function, while fibrotic remodeling stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby reducing the risk of plaque rupture. Although there are currently no drugs targeting cardiac fibrosis, it is a field under intense investigation, and future drugs must take these considerations into account. To explore similarities and differences of fibrotic remodeling at these two locations of the heart, we review the signaling pathways that are activated in the main extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, namely human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although these signaling pathways are highly overlapping and context-dependent, effects on ECM remodeling mainly act through two core signaling cascades: TGF-β and Angiotensin II. We complete this by summarizing the knowledge gained from clinical trials targeting these two central fibrotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kate M. Herum
- Research and Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark; (J.C.B.); (S.J.B.); (A.K.U.); (M.H.B.); (G.B.); (M.N.)
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14
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Wang WK, Wang B, Cao XH, Liu YS. Spironolactone alleviates myocardial fibrosis via inhibition of Ets‑1 in mice with experimental autoimmune myocarditis. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:369. [PMID: 35495592 PMCID: PMC9019666 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spironolactone improves cardiac structure, function and prognosis in patients with heart failure and delays the progression of cardiac fibrosis. However, the exact underlying mechanism of this process remains to be elucidated. The present study therefore aimed to explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of the aldosterone receptor antagonist, spironolactone, on myocardial fibrosis in mice with experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). The EAM model was induced in BALB/c mice via immunization with murine cardiac α-myosin heavy chain sequence polypeptides. The cardiac function of the mice was assessed using echocardiography and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using ELISA. E26 transformation-specific sequence-1 (Ets-1) expression was knocked down using lentivirus-mediated small interference RNA. Total collagen deposition was assessed using Masson's trichrome and Ets-1, TGF-β1, Smad2/3, collagen I and III protein expression levels were detected using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression levels and activity was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and gelatin zymography, respectively. The results of the present study demonstrated that spironolactone significantly improved myocardium hypertrophy, diastolic cardiac function and decreased myocardial inflammation and collagen deposition induced by EAM. Spironolactone treatment significantly inhibited Ets-1 and smad2/3 phosphorylation. In addition, inhibition of Ets-1 reduced the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decreased cardiac fibrosis in EAM mice. The results indicated that the improvement of myocardial fibrosis by spironolactone may be associated with the TGF-β1/Smad-2/3/Ets-1 signaling pathway in EAM mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ke Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Ben Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Hu Cao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Sheng Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
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15
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Zhang J, Cao L, Wang X, Li Q, Zhang M, Cheng C, Yu L, Xue F, Sui W, Sun S, li N, Bu P, Liu B, Gao F, Zhen J, Su G, Zhang C, Gao C, Zhang M, Zhang Y. The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM31 plays a critical role in hypertensive nephropathy by promoting proteasomal degradation of MAP3K7 in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:556-567. [PMID: 34584221 PMCID: PMC8901735 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis and inflammation are critical for the initiation and progression of hypertensive renal disease (HRD). However, the signaling mechanisms underlying their induction are poorly understood, and the role of tripartite motif-containing protein 31 (TRIM31), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in HRD remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of TRIM31 in the pathogenesis of HRD, discover targets of TRIM31, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Pathological specimens of human HRD kidney were collected and an angiotensin II (AngII)-induced HRD mouse model was developed. We found that TRIM31 was markedly reduced in both human and mouse HRD renal tissues. A TRIM31-/- mice was thus constructed and showed significantly aggravated hypertension-induced renal dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammation, following chronic AngII infusion compared with TRIM31+/+ mice. In contrast, overexpression of TRIM31 by injecting adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9 into C57BL/6J mice markedly ameliorated renal dysfunction, fibrotic and inflammatory response in AngII-induced HRD relative to AAV-control mice. Mechanistically, TRIM31 interacted with and catalyzed the K48-linked polyubiquitination of lysine 72 on Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7 (MAP3K7), followed by the proteasomal degradation of MAP3K7, which further negatively regulated TGF-β1-mediated Smad and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated for the first time that TRIM31 serves as an important regulator in AngII-induced HRD by promoting MAP3K7 K48-linked polyubiquitination and inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Cao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Li
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liwen Yu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Xue
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhai Sui
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shangwen Sun
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Na li
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peili Bu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingyu Liu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Gao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junhui Zhen
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guohai Su
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China ,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Meng Zhang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China ,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China. .,Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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16
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Yang Y, Liu P, Teng R, Liu F, Zhang C, Lu X, Ding Y. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of potential therapeutic targets and immune infiltration characteristics in dilated cardiomyopathy. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:348. [PMID: 35433958 PMCID: PMC9011224 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is currently the major cause of systolic heart failure. This study explored potential therapeutic targets and investigated the role of immune cell infiltration in DCM. Methods Three DCM datasets (GSE3585, GSE9800, and GSE84796) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were merged into an integrated dataset, and batch effects were removed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and the associations between gene co-expression modules and clinical traits were assessed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in R software. Any DEGs from the integrated dataset overlapped with the significant module genes were defined as common genes (CGs). Enrichment analysis of the CGs was performed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the CGs was visualized and the hub gene was identified by using Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. The miRNA-transcription factor-mRNA (miRNA-TF-mRNA) network was constructed using Cytoscape to unveil the regulatory relationships in DCM. Finally, the CIBERSORT method (https://cibersort.stanford.edu/) was used to investigate immune cell infiltration in DCM. Results A total of 53 DEGs were identified, and 5 gene co-expression modules were detected by WGCNA of the DCM and control group samples of cardiac tissue. Genes such as FRZB, ASPN, and PHLDA1 were significantly upregulated, whereas IDH2 and ENDOG were significantly downregulated. Functional enrichment analysis showed that CGs were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathway. ASPN was the hub gene in the PPI network. The miRNA-TF-mRNA network revealed that FRZB and ASPN were targeted by paired related homeobox 2 (Prrx2). We also found that miR-129-5p could regulate ASPN, PHLDA1, and IDH2 simultaneously. The immune infiltration analysis revealed higher levels of M1 macrophages in DCM samples than in the control samples. Conclusions In conclusion, we speculate that miR-129-5p might target ASPN in regulating DCM via the ECM signaling pathway. Macrophage infiltration may be involved in ECM remodeling and eventually lead to DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Ruoling Teng
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Fenfen Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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17
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The pathological remodeling of cardiac tissue after injury or disease leads to scar formation. Our knowledge of the role of nonmyocytes, especially fibroblasts, in cardiac injury and repair continues to increase with technological advances in both experimental and clinical studies. Here, we aim to elaborate on cardiac fibroblasts by describing their origins, dynamic cellular states after injury, and heterogeneity in order to understand their role in cardiac injury and repair. RECENT FINDINGS With the improvement in genetic lineage tracing technologies and the capability to profile gene expression at the single-cell level, we are beginning to learn that manipulating a specific population of fibroblasts could mitigate severe cardiac fibrosis and promote cardiac repair after injury. Cardiac fibroblasts play an indispensable role in tissue homeostasis and in repair after injury. Activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts have time-dependent impacts on cardiac fibrosis. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in modulating fibroblast states, resulting in the alteration of fibrosis. Modulating a specific population of cardiac fibroblasts may provide new opportunities for identifying novel treatment options for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
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18
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Kong Q, Gu J, Lu R, Huang C, Hu X, Wu W, Lin D. NMR-Based Metabolomic Analysis of Sera in Mouse Models of CVB3-Induced Viral Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010112. [PMID: 35053260 PMCID: PMC8773787 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral myocarditis (VMC) is an inflammatory heart condition which can induce dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of VMC into DCM remain exclusive. Here, we established mouse models of VMC and DCM by infecting male BALB/c mice with Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and performed NMR-based metabonomic analyses of mouse sera. The mouse models covered three pathological stages including: acute VMC (aVMC), chronic VMC (cVMC) and DCM. We recorded 1D 1H-NMR spectra on serum samples and conducted multivariate statistical analysis on the NMR data. We found that metabolic profiles of these three pathological stages were distinct from their normal controls (CON), and identified significant metabolites primarily responsible for the metabolic distinctions. We identified significantly disturbed metabolic pathways in the aVMC, cVMC and DCM stages relative to CON, including: taurine and hypotaurine metabolism; pyruvate metabolism; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; glycerolipid metabolism. Additionally, we identified potential biomarkers for discriminating a VMC, cVMC and DCM from CON including: taurine, valine and acetate for aVMC; glycerol, valine and leucine for cVMC; citrate, glycine and isoleucine for DCM. This work lays the basis for mechanistically understanding the progression from acute VMC to DCM, and is beneficial to exploitation of potential biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis of heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Kong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Jinping Gu
- Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; (J.G.); (R.L.); (X.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Green Pharmaceutical Technologies and Related Equipment of Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ruohan Lu
- Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; (J.G.); (R.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Caihua Huang
- Research and Communication Center of Exercise and Health, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China;
| | - Xiaomin Hu
- Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; (J.G.); (R.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (D.L.); Tel.: +86-771-5358955 (W.W.); +86-592-2186078 (D.L.)
| | - Donghai Lin
- Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; (J.G.); (R.L.); (X.H.)
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (D.L.); Tel.: +86-771-5358955 (W.W.); +86-592-2186078 (D.L.)
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19
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) isoforms are upregulated and activated in myocardial diseases and have an important role in cardiac repair and remodelling, regulating the phenotype and function of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells. Cardiac injury triggers the generation of bioactive TGFβ from latent stores, through mechanisms involving proteases, integrins and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Activated TGFβ signals through the SMAD intracellular effectors or through non-SMAD cascades. In the infarcted heart, the anti-inflammatory and fibroblast-activating actions of TGFβ have an important role in repair; however, excessive or prolonged TGFβ signalling accentuates adverse remodelling, contributing to cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac pressure overload also activates TGFβ cascades, which initially can have a protective role, promoting an ECM-preserving phenotype in fibroblasts and preventing the generation of injurious, pro-inflammatory ECM fragments. However, prolonged and overactive TGFβ signalling in pressure-overloaded cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts can promote cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In the atria, TGFβ-mediated fibrosis can contribute to the pathogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Overactive or dysregulated TGFβ responses have also been implicated in cardiac ageing and in the pathogenesis of diabetic, genetic and inflammatory cardiomyopathies. This Review summarizes the current evidence on the role of TGFβ signalling in myocardial diseases, focusing on cellular targets and molecular mechanisms, and discussing challenges and opportunities for therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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20
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 34980884 PMCID: PMC8724284 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 225.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.
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21
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Mao L, Mostafa R, Ibili E, Fert-Bober J. Role of protein deimination in cardiovascular diseases: potential new avenues for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:1059-1071. [PMID: 34929115 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2018303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arginine deimination (citrullination) is a post-translational modification catalyzed by a family of peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes. Cell-based functional studies and animal models have manifested the key role of PADs in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). AREA COVERED This review summarizes the latest developments in the role of PADs in CVD pathogenesis. It focuses on the PAD functions and diverse citrullinated proteins in cardiovascular conditions like deep vein thrombosis, ischemia/reperfusion, and atherosclerosis. Identification of PAD isoforms and citrullinated targets are essential for directing diagnosis and clinical intervention. Finally, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are addressed as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. A search of PubMed biomedical literature from the past ten years was performed with a combination of the following keywords: PAD/PADI, deimination/citrullination, autoimmune, fibrosis, NET, neutrophil, macrophage, inflammation, inflammasome, cardiovascular, heart disease, myocardial infarction, ischemia, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and aging. Additional papers from retrieved articles were also considered. EXPERT OPINION PADs are unique family of enzymes that converts peptidyl-arginine to -citrulline in protein permanently. Overexpression or increased activity of PAD has been observed in various CVDs with acute and chronic inflammation as the background. Importantly, far beyond being simply involved in forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), accumulating evidence indicated PAD activation as a trigger for numerous processes, such as transcriptional regulation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombus formation. In summary, the findings so far have testified the important role of deimination in cardiovascular biology, while more basic and translational studies are essential to further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Mao
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rowann Mostafa
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Esra Ibili
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Justyna Fert-Bober
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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22
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Cao M, Wang H, Li W, Jiang X, Wang X, Guo W, Gao P, Zou Y. Inverse Associations Between Circulating Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 2 (sFRP2) and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:723205. [PMID: 34722660 PMCID: PMC8551478 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.723205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) plays an important role in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); However, its relevance with cardiometabolic diseases remains to be elucidated. We aimed to determine the serum levels of sFRP2 in patients at different stages of heart failure (HF) with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and assess the correlation between circulating sFRP2 levels and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: In this study, serum samples from 277 patients visiting Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University were collected. These patients were clinically diagnosed and categorized as five groups, including the control group, pre-clinical HF group, pre-clinical HF+T2DM group, HF group and HF+T2DM group. Serum sFRP2 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests and the clinical characteristics of each patient were recorded. Spearman rank correlation analysis and multiple stepwise linear regression analysis were conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to screen risk factors for HF in patients with CVDs. Results: Serum sFRP2 levels were significantly lower in the HF+T2DM group compared with the other four groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that sFRP2 was negatively correlated with parameters including patients' age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), cardiac troponin T (cTNT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), left atrial dimension (LAD) and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), and positively correlated with hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, in multiple regression analysis, significant associations with ln(sFRP2) were observed only in FPG, hs-CRP and LAD. Higher serum sFRP2 was significantly linked to lower odds of HF in patients with CVDs. Conclusion: sFRP2 progressively decreased when glucose homeostasis and cardiac function deteriorated. sFRP2 acted as a risk factor for HF in patients with CVDs, especially in those with concomitant T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Bioinformatics Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenshu Li
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment of the Ministry of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueli Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Bioinformatics Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Bioinformatics Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Bioinformatics Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Bioinformatics Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zou Y, Pan L, Shen Y, Wang X, Huang C, Wang H, Jin X, Yin C, Wang Y, Jia J, Qian J, Zou Y, Gong H, Ge J. Cardiac Wnt5a and Wnt11 promote fibrosis by the crosstalk of FZD5 and EGFR signaling under pressure overload. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:877. [PMID: 34564708 PMCID: PMC8464604 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Progressive cardiac fibrosis accelerates the development of heart failure. Here, we aimed to explore serum Wnt5a and Wnt11 levels in hypertension patients, the roles of Wnt5a and Wnt11 in cardiac fibrosis and potential mechanisms under pressure overload. The pressure overload mouse model was built by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Cardiac fibrosis was analyzed by Masson's staining. Serum Wnt5a or Wnt11 was elevated and associated with diastolic dysfunction in hypertension patients. TAC enhanced the expression and secretion of Wnt5a or Wnt11 from cardiomyocytes (CMs), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), and cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Knockdown of Wnt5a and Wnt11 greatly improved cardiac fibrosis and function at 4 weeks after TAC. In vitro, shWnt5a or shWnt11 lentivirus transfection inhibited pro-fibrotic effects in CFs under mechanical stretch (MS). Similarly, conditional medium from stretched-CMs transfected with shWnt5a or shWnt11 lentivirus significantly suppressed the pro-fibrotic effects induced by conditional medium from stretched-CMs. These data suggested that CMs- or CFs-derived Wnt5a or Wnt11 showed a pro-fibrotic effect under pressure overload. In vitro, exogenous Wnt5a or Wnt11 activated ERK and p38 (fibrotic-related signaling) pathway, promoted the phosphorylation of EGFR, and increased the expression of Frizzled 5 (FZD5) in CFs. Inhibition or knockdown of EGFR greatly attenuated the increased FZD5, p-p38, and p-ERK levels, and the pro-fibrotic effect induced by Wnt5a or Wnt11 in CFs. Si-FZD5 transfection suppressed the increased p-EGFR level, and the fibrotic-related effects in CFs treated with Wnt5a or Wnt11. In conclusion, pressure overload enhances the secretion of Wnt5a or Wnt11 from CMs and CFs which promotes cardiac fibrosis by activation the crosstalk of FZD5 and EGFR. Thus, Wnt5a or Wnt11 may be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of cardiac fibrosis under pressure overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Le Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenxing Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuejuan Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Yin
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianguo Jia
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juying Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yunzeng Zou
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hui Gong
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Junbo Ge
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Działo E, Czepiel M, Tkacz K, Siedlar M, Kania G, Błyszczuk P. WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes TGF-β-Mediated Activation of Human Cardiac Fibroblasts by Enhancing IL-11 Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810072. [PMID: 34576234 PMCID: PMC8468519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process associated with the development of heart failure. TGF-β and WNT signaling have been implicated in pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis, however, little is known about molecular cross-talk between these two pathways. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous canonical WNT3a and non-canonical WNT5a in TGF-β-activated human cardiac fibroblasts. We found that WNT3a and TGF-β induced a β-catenin-dependent response, whereas WNT5a prompted AP-1 activity. TGF-β triggered profibrotic signatures in cardiac fibroblasts, and co-stimulation with WNT3a or co-activation of the β-catenin pathway with the GSK3β inhibitor CHIR99021 enhanced collagen I and fibronectin production and development of active contractile stress fibers. In the absence of TGF-β, neither WNT3a nor CHIR99021 exerted profibrotic responses. On a molecular level, in TGF-β-activated fibroblasts, WNT3a enhanced phosphorylation of TAK1 and production and secretion of IL-11 but showed no effect on the Smad pathway. Neutralization of IL-11 activity with the blocking anti-IL-11 antibody effectively reduced the profibrotic response of cardiac fibroblasts activated with TGF-β and WNT3a. In contrast to canonical WNT3a, co-activation with non-canonical WNT5a suppressed TGF-β-induced production of collagen I. In conclusion, WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes TGF-β-mediated fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by enhancing IL-11 production. Thus, the uncovered mechanism broadens our knowledge on a molecular basis of cardiac fibrogenesis and defines novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Działo
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Marcin Czepiel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Karolina Tkacz
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-658-24-86
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Rudnik M, Hukara A, Kocherova I, Jordan S, Schniering J, Milleret V, Ehrbar M, Klingel K, Feghali-Bostwick C, Distler O, Błyszczuk P, Kania G. Elevated Fibronectin Levels in Profibrotic CD14 + Monocytes and CD14 + Macrophages in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642891. [PMID: 34504485 PMCID: PMC8421541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) and multiorgan fibrosis. Animal studies pointed to bone marrow-derived cells as a potential source of pathological ECM-producing cells in immunofibrotic disorders. So far, involvement of monocytes and macrophages in the fibrogenesis of SSc remains poorly understood. Methods and Results Immunohistochemistry analysis showed accumulation of CD14+ monocytes in the collagen-rich areas, as well as increased amount of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive fibroblasts, CD68+ and mannose-R+ macrophages in the heart and lungs of SSc patients. The full genome transcriptomics analyses of CD14+ blood monocytes revealed dysregulation in cytoskeleton rearrangement, ECM remodeling, including elevated FN1 (gene encoding fibronectin) expression and TGF-β signalling pathway in SSc patients. In addition, single cell RNA sequencing analysis of tissue-resident CD14+ pulmonary macrophages demonstrated activated profibrotic signature with the elevated FN1 expression in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease. Peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes obtained from either healthy subjects or SSc patients exposed to profibrotic treatment with profibrotic cytokines TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 increased production of type I collagen, fibronectin, and αSMA. In addition, CD14+ monocytes co-cultured with dermal fibroblasts obtained from SSc patients or healthy individuals acquired a spindle shape and further enhanced production of profibrotic markers. Pharmacological blockade of the TGF-β signalling pathway with SD208 (TGF-β receptor type I inhibitor), SIS3 (Smad3 inhibitor) or (5Z)-7-oxozeaenol (TGF-β-activated kinase 1 inhibitor) ameliorated fibronectin levels and type I collagen secretion. Conclusions Our findings identified activated profibrotic signature with elevated production of profibrotic fibronectin in CD14+ monocytes and CD14+ pulmonary macrophages in SSc and highlighted the capability of CD14+ monocytes to acquire a profibrotic phenotype. Taking together, tissue-infiltrating CD14+ monocytes/macrophages can be considered as ECM producers in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Rudnik
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amela Hukara
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ievgeniia Kocherova
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzana Jordan
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janine Schniering
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Milleret
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ehrbar
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Klingel
- Department of Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Jiang W, Xiong Y, Li X, Yang Y. Cardiac Fibrosis: Cellular Effectors, Molecular Pathways, and Exosomal Roles. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:715258. [PMID: 34485413 PMCID: PMC8415273 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.715258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, a common pathophysiologic process in most heart diseases, refers to an excess of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), which can lead to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure subsequently. Not only CFs but also several other cell types including macrophages and endothelial cells participate in the process of cardiac fibrosis via different molecular pathways. Exosomes, ranging in 30-150 nm of size, have been confirmed to play an essential role in cellular communications by their bioactive contents, which are currently a hot area to explore pathobiology and therapeutic strategy in multiple pathophysiologic processes including cardiac fibrosis. Cardioprotective factors such as RNAs and proteins packaged in exosomes make them an excellent cell-free system to improve cardiac function without significant immune response. Emerging evidence indicates that targeting selective molecules in cell-derived exosomes could be appealing therapeutic treatments in cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current understandings of cellular effectors, molecular pathways, and exosomal roles in cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyan Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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27
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New perspectives of the cardiac cellular landscape: mapping cellular mediators of cardiac fibrosis using single-cell transcriptomics. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:2483-2493. [PMID: 33259583 DOI: 10.1042/bst20191255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomics enables inference of context-dependent phenotypes of individual cells and determination of cellular diversity of complex tissues. Cardiac fibrosis is a leading factor in the development of heart failure and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with no effective treatment. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) offers a promising new platform to identify new cellular and molecular protagonists that may drive cardiac fibrosis and development of heart failure. This review will summarize the application scRNA-seq for understanding cardiac fibrosis and development of heart failure. We will also discuss some key considerations in interpreting scRNA-seq data and some of its limitations.
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28
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Zhou K, Tian KJ, Yan BJ, Gui DD, Luo W, Ren Z, Wei DH, Liu LS, Jiang ZS. A promising field: regulating imbalance of EndMT in cardiovascular diseases. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:1477-1486. [PMID: 34266366 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1951939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is widely involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Although there is no direct evidence, it is very promising as an effective target for the treatment of these diseases. Endothelial cells need to respond to the complex cardiovascular environment through EndMT, but sustained stimuli will cause the imbalance of EndMT. Blocking the signal transduction promoting EndMT is an effective method to control the imbalance of EndMT. In particular, we also discussed the potential role of endothelial cell apoptosis and autophagy in regulating the imbalance of EndMT. In addition, promoting mesenchymal-endothelial transformation (MEndT) is also a method to control the imbalance of EndMT. However, targeting EndMT to treat cardiovascular disease still faces many challenges. By reviewing the research progress of EndMT, we have put forward some insights and translated them into challenges and opportunities for new treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kai-Jiang Tian
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bin-Jie Yan
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dan-Dan Gui
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhong Ren
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dang-Heng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lu-Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China
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29
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Procopio MC, Lauro R, Nasso C, Carerj S, Squadrito F, Bitto A, Di Bella G, Micari A, Irrera N, Costa F. Role of Adenosine and Purinergic Receptors in Myocardial Infarction: Focus on Different Signal Transduction Pathways. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020204. [PMID: 33670488 PMCID: PMC7922652 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a dramatic event often caused by atherosclerotic plaque erosion or rupture and subsequent thrombotic occlusion of a coronary vessel. The low supply of oxygen and nutrients in the infarcted area may result in cardiomyocytes necrosis, replacement of intact myocardium with non-contractile fibrous tissue and left ventricular (LV) function impairment if blood flow is not quickly restored. In this review, we summarized the possible correlation between adenosine system, purinergic system and Wnt/β-catenin pathway and their role in the pathogenesis of cardiac damage following MI. In this context, several pathways are involved and, in particular, the adenosine receptors system shows different interactions between its members and purinergic receptors: their modulation might be effective not only for a normal functional recovery but also for the treatment of heart diseases, thus avoiding fibrosis, reducing infarcted area and limiting scaring. Similarly, it has been shown that Wnt/β catenin pathway is activated following myocardial injury and its unbalanced activation might promote cardiac fibrosis and, consequently, LV systolic function impairment. In this regard, the therapeutic benefits of Wnt inhibitors use were highlighted, thus demonstrating that Wnt/β-catenin pathway might be considered as a therapeutic target to prevent adverse LV remodeling and heart failure following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Rita Lauro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Nasso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Scipione Carerj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonio Micari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, A.O.U. Policlinic “G. Martino”, 98165 Messina, Italy;
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-3093; Fax: +39-090-221-23-81
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
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30
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Hall C, Gehmlich K, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Complex Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes in Health and Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019338. [PMID: 33586463 PMCID: PMC8174279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of physiological signaling processes. Despite the importance of fibrosis in processes of wound healing, excessive fibroblast proliferation and activation can lead to pathological remodeling, driving heart failure and the onset of arrhythmias. Our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation is expanding, and evidence for their direct and indirect effects on cardiac myocyte function is accumulating. In this review, we focus on the importance of the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and the cross talk of cardiac fibroblasts with cardiac myocytes. We also consider the current use of models used to explore these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford University of Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
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Saadat S, Noureddini M, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Nazemi S, Shojaie L, Aschner M, Maleki B, Abbasi-Kolli M, Rajabi Moghadam H, Alani B, Mirzaei H. Pivotal Role of TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Cardiac Fibrosis: Non-coding RNAs as Effectual Players. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 7:588347. [PMID: 33569393 PMCID: PMC7868343 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.588347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unintended cardiac fibroblast proliferation in many pathophysiological heart conditions, known as cardiac fibrosis, results in pooling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the heart muscle. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) as a pivotal cytokine/growth factor stimulates fibroblasts and hastens ECM production in injured tissues. The TGF-β receptor is a heterodimeric receptor complex on the plasma membrane, made up from TGF-β type I, as well as type II receptors, giving rise to Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors phosphorylation upon canonical signaling. Phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, and cytoplasmic Smad4 intercommunicate to transfer the signal to the nucleus, culminating in provoked gene transcription. Additionally, TGF-β receptor complex activation starts up non-canonical signaling that lead to the mitogen-stimulated protein kinase cascade activation, inducing p38, JNK1/2 (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2), and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2) signaling. TGF-β not only activates fibroblasts and stimulates them to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which produce ECM proteins, but also promotes fibroblast proliferation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of numerous pathways along with cellular procedures. MicroRNAs and circular long ncRNAs, combined with long ncRNAs, are capable of affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling, leading to cardiac fibrosis. More comprehensive knowledge based on these processes may bring about new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for different cardiac disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Saadat
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Noureddini
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Nazemi
- Vascular and Thorax Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Layla Shojaie
- Department of Medicine, Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Behnaz Maleki
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasi-Kolli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Rajabi Moghadam
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Behrang Alani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Lafuse WP, Wozniak DJ, Rajaram MVS. Role of Cardiac Macrophages on Cardiac Inflammation, Fibrosis and Tissue Repair. Cells 2020; 10:E51. [PMID: 33396359 PMCID: PMC7824389 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a pivotal role in the initiation, development and resolution of inflammation following insult or damage to organs. The heart is a vital organ which supplies nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body. Heart failure (HF) has been conventionally described as a disease associated with cardiac tissue damage caused by systemic inflammation, arrhythmia and conduction defects. Cardiac inflammation and subsequent tissue damage is orchestrated by the infiltration and activation of various immune cells including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, eosinophils, mast cells, natural killer cells, and T and B cells into the myocardium. After tissue injury, monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages undergo marked phenotypic and functional changes, and function as key regulators of tissue repair, regeneration and fibrosis. Disturbance in resident macrophage functions such as uncontrolled production of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and inefficient generation of an anti-inflammatory response or unsuccessful communication between macrophages and epithelial and endothelial cells and fibroblasts can lead to aberrant repair, persistent injury, and HF. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the role of cardiac macrophages on cardiac inflammation, tissue repair, regeneration and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. Lafuse
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (W.P.L.); (D.J.W.)
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (W.P.L.); (D.J.W.)
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Murugesan V. S. Rajaram
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (W.P.L.); (D.J.W.)
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Rackow AR, Nagel DJ, McCarthy C, Judge J, Lacy S, Freeberg MAT, Thatcher TH, Kottmann RM, Sime PJ. The self-fulfilling prophecy of pulmonary fibrosis: a selective inspection of pathological signalling loops. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.00075-2020. [PMID: 32943406 PMCID: PMC7931159 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00075-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating, progressive disease and carries a prognosis worse than most cancers. Despite ongoing research, the mechanisms that underlie disease pathogenesis remain only partially understood. However, the self-perpetuating nature of pulmonary fibrosis has led several researchers to propose the existence of pathological signalling loops. According to this hypothesis, the normal wound-healing process becomes corrupted and results in the progressive accumulation of scar tissue in the lung. In addition, several negative regulators of pulmonary fibrosis are downregulated and, therefore, are no longer capable of inhibiting these feed-forward loops. The combination of pathological signalling loops and loss of a checks and balances system ultimately culminates in a process of unregulated scar formation. This review details specific signalling pathways demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The evidence of detrimental signalling loops is elucidated with regard to epithelial cell injury, cellular senescence and the activation of developmental and ageing pathways. We demonstrate where these loops intersect each other, as well as common mediators that may drive these responses and how the loss of pro-resolving mediators may contribute to the propagation of disease. By focusing on the overlapping signalling mediators among the many pro-fibrotic pathways, it is our hope that the pulmonary fibrosis community will be better equipped to design future trials that incorporate the redundant nature of these pathways as we move towards finding a cure for this unrelenting disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Rackow
- Dept of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this work
| | - David J Nagel
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Authors contributed equally to this work
| | | | | | - Shannon Lacy
- US Army of Veterinary Corps, Fort Campbell, KY, USA
| | | | - Thomas H Thatcher
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - R Matthew Kottmann
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Patricia J Sime
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Chen Q, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Ye S, Liang X, Wang X, Lin X, Zong R, Chen H, Liu Z. Fenofibrate Inhibits Subretinal Fibrosis Through Suppressing TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:580884. [PMID: 33442383 PMCID: PMC7797782 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.580884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is a common pathological change that causes vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Treatment modalities for subretinal fibrosis are limited. In the present study, the effects of fenofibrate, a specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist, on subretinal fibrosis of nAMD were tested, and its molecular mechanisms of action were delineated. Collagen deposition and protein expression of fibrotic markers, such as vimentin, collagen-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin, were increased in very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) knockout mouse, indicating Vldlr -/- mice can be used as a model for subretinal fibrosis. Fenofibrate suppressed subretinal fibrosis of Vldlr -/- mice by reducing collagen deposition and protein expression of fibrotic markers. Two fibrotic pathways, TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling, were significantly up-regulated, while inhibited by fenofibrate in Vldlr -/- retinas. Moreover, fenofibrate significantly reduced the downstream connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression of these two pathways. Müller cells were a major source of CTGF in Vldlr -/- retinas. Fenofibrate was capable of suppressing Müller cell activation and thus reducing the release of CTGF in Vldlr -/- retinas. In cultured Müller cells, fenofibrate reversed TGF-β2-induced up-regulation of Wnt signaling and CTGF expression. These findings suggested that fenofibrate inhibits subretinal fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling and reducing CTGF expression, and thus, fenofibrate could be a potential treatment for nAMD with subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sihao Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongrong Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
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35
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Hanna A, Humeres C, Frangogiannis NG. The role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 77:109826. [PMID: 33160018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Most myocardial pathologic conditions are associated with cardiac fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Although replacement fibrosis plays a reparative role after myocardial infarction, excessive, unrestrained or dysregulated myocardial ECM deposition is associated with ventricular dysfunction, dysrhythmias and adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure. The members of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily are critical regulators of cardiac repair, remodeling and fibrosis. TGF-βs are released and activated in injured tissues, bind to their receptors and transduce signals in part through activation of cascades involving a family of intracellular effectors the receptor-activated Smads (R-Smads). This review manuscript summarizes our knowledge on the role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Smad3, the best-characterized member of the family plays a critical role in activation of a myofibroblast phenotype, stimulation of ECM synthesis, integrin expression and secretion of proteases and anti-proteases. In vivo, fibroblast Smad3 signaling is critically involved in scar organization and exerts matrix-preserving actions. Although Smad2 also regulates fibroblast function in vitro, its in vivo role in rodent models of cardiac fibrosis seems more limited. Very limited information is available on the potential involvement of the Smad1/5/8 cascade in cardiac fibrosis. Dissection of the cellular actions of Smads in cardiac fibrosis, and identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial Smad-dependent fibrogenic responses are critical for design of successful therapeutic strategies in patients with fibrosis-associated heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Hanna
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claudio Humeres
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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36
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Icaritin Inhibits Skin Fibrosis through Regulating AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling. Cell Biochem Biophys 2020; 79:231-238. [PMID: 33125640 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-020-00952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is one of the major features of scleroderma. WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with the progression of skin fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of icaritin (IT), a natural compound, on scleroderma-related skin fibrosis and its mechanisms. We found that IT could reduce the expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, CTGF, and α-SMA in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1 cells), scleroderma skin fibroblasts (SSF cells), and TGF-β-induced HFF-1 cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was shown to be suppressed by IT. Additionally, IT activated AMPK signaling in HFF-1 cells. In conclusion, IT has an anti-skin fibrotic effect through activation of AMPK signaling and inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Our findings indicate the potential role of IT in the treatment of scleroderma and provide novel insight for the selection of drug therapy for scleroderma.
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37
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Wei WY, Zhao Q, Zhang WZ, Wang MJ, Li Y, Wang SZ, Zhang N. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 prevents pressure-overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 472:241-251. [PMID: 32632611 PMCID: PMC7338134 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03802-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) has been reported to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload is still elusive. We aimed to examine the role of sFRP2 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS Following cardiac hypertrophy stimulated by aortic banding (AB), the expression of sFRP2 was downregulated in the hypertrophic ventricle. Adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) was injected through the tail vein to overexpress sFRP2 in the mouse myocardium. Overexpression of sFRP2 alleviated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis, as identified by the reduced cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, heart weight/body weight ratio, and left ventricular (LV) collagen ratio. Additionally, sFRP2 decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by pressure overload. Western blot showed that sFRP2 prevented the expression of active β-catenin. The Wnt/β-catenin agonist LiCl (1 mmol/kg) abolished the inhibitory effects of sFRP2 on cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased cross-sectional area and LV collagen ratio and the deterioration of echocardiographic data. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that decreased sFRP2 levels were observed in failing mouse hearts. Overexpression of sFRP2 attenuated myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis induced by hypertrophic stimuli by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We revealed that sFRP2 may be a promising therapeutic target for the development of cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Wei
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mao-Jing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Zhong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266000, People's Republic of China.
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Choi Y, Oh H, Ahn M, Kang T, Chun J, Shin T, Kim J. Immunohistochemical analysis of periostin in the hearts of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune myocarditis. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1545-1550. [PMID: 32759575 PMCID: PMC7653304 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Periostin plays a critical role in tissue regeneration and homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in periostin levels in the hearts of rats with experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of periostin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were significantly increased at day 14 post-immunization. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that periostin was expressed in macrophages and fibroblasts in the hearts of EAM-induced rats. In conclusion, these results suggest that increased periostin expression in macrophages and fibroblasts promotes cardiac fibrosis in EAM-induced rats, potentially by enhancing immune cell infiltration. Therefore, periostin should be further investigated as a candidate therapeutic target for myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseul Oh
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Meejung Ahn
- Department of Animal Science, College of Life Science, Sangji University, Wonju 26339, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoung Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Chun
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Taekyun Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongtae Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
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Jaén RI, Fernández-Velasco M, Terrón V, Sánchez-García S, Zaragoza C, Canales-Bueno N, Val-Blasco A, Vallejo-Cremades MT, Boscá L, Prieto P. BML-111 treatment prevents cardiac apoptosis and oxidative stress in a mouse model of autoimmune myocarditis. FASEB J 2020; 34:10531-10546. [PMID: 32543747 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000611r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the myocardium that can progress to a more severe phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Three main harmful factors determine this progression: inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress. Lipoxins and their derivatives are endogenous proresolving mediators that induce the resolution of the inflammatory process. This study aims to determine whether these mediators play a protective role in a murine model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) by treating with the lipoxin A4 analog BML-111. We observed that EAM mice presented extensive infiltration areas that correlated with higher levels of inflammatory and cardiac damage markers. Both parameters were significantly reduced in BML-treated EAM mice. Consistently, cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and emerging fibrosis detected in EAM mice was prevented by BML-111 treatment. At the molecular level, we demonstrated that treatment with BML-111 hampered apoptosis and oxidative stress induction by EAM. Moreover, both in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that these beneficial effects were mediated by activation of Nrf2 pathway through CaMKK2-AMPKα kinase pathway. Altogether, our data indicate that treatment with the lipoxin derivative BML-111 effectively alleviates EAM outcome and prevents cardiac dysfunction, thus, underscoring the therapeutic potential of lipoxins and their derivatives to treat myocarditis and other inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael I Jaén
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Velasco
- CIBER de enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Terrón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Zaragoza
- CIBER de enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de cardiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación sanitaria (IRYCIS)/Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Almudena Val-Blasco
- Instituto de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Vallejo-Cremades
- Instituto de Investigación, Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Imagen e inmunohistoquímica de la Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lisardo Boscá
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Prieto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Modzelewska K, Brown L, Culotti J, Moghal N. Sensory regulated Wnt production from neurons helps make organ development robust to environmental changes in C. elegans. Development 2020; 147:dev186080. [PMID: 32586974 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Long-term survival of an animal species depends on development being robust to environmental variations and climate changes. We used C. elegans to study how mechanisms that sense environmental changes trigger adaptive responses that ensure animals develop properly. In water, the nervous system induces an adaptive response that reinforces vulval development through an unknown backup signal for vulval induction. This response involves the heterotrimeric G-protein EGL-30//Gαq acting in motor neurons. It also requires body-wall muscle, which is excited by EGL-30-stimulated synaptic transmission, suggesting a behavioral function of neurons induces backup signal production from muscle. We now report that increased acetylcholine during liquid growth activates an EGL-30-Rho pathway, distinct from the synaptic transmission pathway, that increases Wnt production from motor neurons. We also provide evidence that this neuronal Wnt contributes to EGL-30-stimulated vulval development, with muscle producing a parallel developmental signal. As diverse sensory modalities stimulate motor neurons via acetylcholine, this mechanism enables broad sensory perception to enhance Wnt-dependent development. Thus, sensory perception improves animal fitness by activating distinct neuronal functions that trigger adaptive changes in both behavior and developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Modzelewska
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Louise Brown
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Joseph Culotti
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Nadeem Moghal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
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Jaster R, Gupta Y, Rohde S, Ehlers L, Nizze H, Vorobyev A, Ludwig RJ, Ibrahim SM. Impact of diet and genes on murine autoimmune pancreatitis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8862-8870. [PMID: 32643288 PMCID: PMC7412411 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of environmental factors, such as diet, and the genetic basis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) are largely unknown. Here, we used an experimental murine AIP model to identify the contribution of diet to AIP development, as well as to fine-map AIP-associated genes in outbred mice prone to develop the disease. For this purpose, we fed mice of an autoimmune-prone intercross line (AIL) three different diets (control, calorie-reduced and western diet) for 6 months, at which point the mice were genotyped and phenotyped for AIP. Overall, 269 out of 734 mice (36.6%) developed AIP with signs of parenchymal destruction, equally affecting mice of both sexes. AIP prevalence and severity were reduced by approximately 50% in mice held under caloric restriction compared to those fed control or western diet. We identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4 to be associated with AIP, which is located within a previously reported QTL. This association does not change when considering diet or sex as an additional variable for the mapping. Using whole-genome sequences of the AIL founder strains, we resolved this QTL to a single candidate gene, namely Map3k7. Expression of Map3k7 was largely restricted to islet cells as well as lymphocytes found in the exocrine pancreas of mice with AIP. Our studies suggest a major impact of diet on AIP. Furthermore, we identify Map3k7 as a novel susceptibility gene for experimental AIP. Both findings warrant clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jaster
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Yask Gupta
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Rohde
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Luise Ehlers
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Horst Nizze
- Institute of Pathology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Artem Vorobyev
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Dermatology and Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf J Ludwig
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Saleh M Ibrahim
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Yousefi F, Shabaninejad Z, Vakili S, Derakhshan M, Movahedpour A, Dabiri H, Ghasemi Y, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Nikoozadeh A, Savardashtaki A, Mirzaei H, Hamblin MR. TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: non-coding RNAs come into focus. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:87. [PMID: 32517807 PMCID: PMC7281690 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis describes the inappropriate proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), leading to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the cardiac muscle, which is found in many pathophysiological heart conditions. A range of molecular components and cellular pathways, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and their mutual interaction, which have emerged as important factors involved in cardiac pathophysiology. The molecular and cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis are summarized. We focus on TGF-β and WNT signaling in cardiac fibrosis, ECM production, and myofibroblast transformation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are one of the main players in the regulation of multiple pathways and cellular processes. MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular long non-coding RNAs can all interact with the TGF-β/WNT signaling axis to affect cardiac fibrosis. A better understanding of these processes may lead to new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many cardiac conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shabaninejad
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Derakhshan
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Student research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Dabiri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cell and Development Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azin Nikoozadeh
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine,Mashhad Univesity of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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43
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Che M, Kweon SM, Teo JL, Yuan YC, Melstrom LG, Waldron RT, Lugea A, Urrutia RA, Pandol SJ, Lai KKY. Targeting the CBP/β-Catenin Interaction to Suppress Activation of Cancer-Promoting Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061476. [PMID: 32516943 PMCID: PMC7352534 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although cyclic AMP-response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin signaling is known to promote proliferation and fibrosis in various organ systems, its role in the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the key effector cells of desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer and fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, is largely unknown. Methods: To investigate the role of the CBP/β-catenin signaling pathway in the activation of PSCs, we have treated mouse and human PSCs with the small molecule specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001 and examined the effects of treatment on parameters of activation. Results: We report for the first time that CBP/β-catenin antagonism suppresses activation of PSCs as evidenced by their decreased proliferation, down-regulation of “activation” markers, e.g., α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA/Acta2), collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1), Prolyl 4-hydroxylase, and Survivin, up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Ppar-γ) which is associated with quiescence, and reduced migration; additionally, CBP/β-catenin antagonism also suppresses PSC-induced migration of cancer cells. Conclusion: CBP/β-catenin antagonism represents a novel therapeutic strategy for suppressing PSC activation and may be effective at countering PSC promotion of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Che
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Soo-Mi Kweon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Jia-Ling Teo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Laleh G. Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Richard T. Waldron
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aurelia Lugea
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Raul A. Urrutia
- Department of Surgery and the Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Keane K. Y. Lai
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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Du X, Li Q, Yang L, Liu L, Cao Q, Li Q. SMAD4 activates Wnt signaling pathway to inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:373. [PMID: 32415058 PMCID: PMC7228950 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways are interrelated in many cell types and tissues, and control cell functions in coordination. Here, we report that SMAD4, a downstream effector of the TGF-β signaling pathway, induces FZD4, a receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway, establishing a novel route of communication between these two pathways in granulosa cells (GCs). We found that SMAD4 is a strong inducer of FZD4, not only initiating FZD4 transcription but also activating FZD4-dependent Wnt signaling and GC apoptosis. Furthermore, we identified the direct and indirect mechanisms by which SMAD4 promotes expression of FZD4 in GCs. First, SMAD4 functions as a transcription factor to directly bind to the FZD4 promoter region to increase its transcriptional activity. Second, SMAD4 promotes production of SDNOR, a novel lncRNA that acts as a sponge for miR-29c, providing another mean to block miR-29c from degenerating FZD4 mRNA. Overall, our findings not only reveal a new channel of crosstalk between the TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways, SMAD4–FZD4 axis, but also provide new insights into the regulatory network of GC apoptosis and follicular atresia. These RNA molecules, such as miR-29c and lnc-SDNOR, represent potential targets for treatment of reproductive diseases and improvement of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qiqi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qiuyu Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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45
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Abstract
Myocarditis (MCD) is a type of inflammatory disease in which inflammatory cells infiltrate the myocardium, leading to cardiac dysfunction, myocardial necrosis, and fibrosis. Although it has been reported that MCD is mediated by T cells, the immune system is complex and includes many types of immune cells that interact with one another. Through investigations of the inflammatory responses in MCD including myocardial necrosis, fibrosis, and arrhythmia, we have gained further insight into the pathogenesis of MCD. This article aims to discuss the diversity and the roles of immune cells involved in the pathogenesis of MCD. Moreover, immunotherapy for the treatment of MCD remains controversial, and further investigation is required to identify accurate immunotherapies for special cell types.
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46
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Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 2 and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients with Heart Failure. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2563508. [PMID: 32454934 PMCID: PMC7229555 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2563508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Quantification of extracellular volume (ECV) fraction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to assess myocardial fibrosis. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) appears to play an important role in cardiac fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the association between SFRP2 and myocardial fibrosis and the prognostic value of ECV fraction in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods In this prospective cohort study, 72 hospitalized adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with severe decompensated HF were included. CMR measurements and T1 mapping were performed to calculate ECV fraction. Serum SFRP2 level was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. All patients were followed up, and the primary outcomes were composite events including all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization. Results During the median follow-up of 12 months, 27 (37.5%) patients experienced primary outcome events and had higher levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), SFRP2, and ECV fraction compared with those without events. In Pearson correlation analysis, levels of SFRP2 (r = 0.33), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.31), and hemoglobin A1c (r = 0.29) were associated with ECV fraction (all P < 0.05); however, in multivariate linear regression analysis, SFRP2 was the only significant factor determined for ECV fraction (rpartial = 0.33, P = 0.02). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (each 10 years, hazard ratio (HR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.22), ECV fraction (per doubling, HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.03–2.74), and NT-proBNP (per doubling, HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.05–5.76) were independent risk factors for primary outcomes. Conclusions Higher ECV fraction is associated with worsened prognosis in HF. SFRP2 is an independent biomarker for myocardial fibrosis. Further studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic value of SFRP2 in myocardial fibrosis.
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47
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Fu X, Liu Q, Li C, Li Y, Wang L. Cardiac Fibrosis and Cardiac Fibroblast Lineage-Tracing: Recent Advances. Front Physiol 2020; 11:416. [PMID: 32435205 PMCID: PMC7218116 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological change associated with cardiac injuries and diseases. Even though the accumulation of collagens and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may have some protective effects in certain situations, prolonged fibrosis usually negatively affects cardiac function and often leads to deleterious consequences. While the development of cardiac fibrosis involves several cell types, the major source of ECM proteins is cardiac fibroblast. The high plasticity of cardiac fibroblasts enables them to quickly change their behaviors in response to injury and transition between several differentiation states. However, the study of cardiac fibroblasts in vivo was very difficult due to the lack of specific research tools. The development of cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing mouse lines has greatly promoted cardiac fibrosis research. In this article, we review the recent cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing studies exploring the origin of cardiac fibroblasts and their complicated roles in cardiac fibrosis, and briefly discuss the translational potential of basic cardiac fibroblast researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qianglin Liu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Yuxia Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Leshan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Maione AS, Pilato CA, Casella M, Gasperetti A, Stadiotti I, Pompilio G, Sommariva E. Fibrosis in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: The Phantom Thread in the Fibro-Adipose Tissue. Front Physiol 2020; 11:279. [PMID: 32317983 PMCID: PMC7147329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart disorder, predisposing to malignant ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young and athletic patients. Pathological features include a progressive loss of myocardium with fibrous or fibro-fatty substitution. During the last few decades, different clinical aspects of ACM have been well investigated but still little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie ACM pathogenesis, leading to these phenotypes. In about 50% of ACM patients, a genetic mutation, predominantly in genes that encode for desmosomal proteins, has been identified. However, the mutation-associated mechanisms, causing the observed cardiac phenotype are not always clear. Until now, the attention has been principally focused on the study of molecular mechanisms that lead to a prominent myocardium adipose substitution, an uncommon marker for a cardiac disease, thus often recognized as hallmark of ACM. Nonetheless, based on Task Force Criteria for the diagnosis of ACM, cardiomyocytes death associated with fibrous replacement of the ventricular free wall must be considered the main tissue feature in ACM patients. For this reason, it urges to investigate ACM cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we give an overview on the cellular effectors, possible triggers, and molecular mechanisms that could be responsible for the ventricular fibrotic remodeling in ACM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Serena Maione
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Assunta Pilato
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Casella
- Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Gasperetti
- Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- University Heart Center, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Stadiotti
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Wang J, Han B. Dysregulated CD4+ T Cells and microRNAs in Myocarditis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:539. [PMID: 32269577 PMCID: PMC7109299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is a polymorphic disease complicated with indeterminate etiology and pathogenesis, and represents one of the most challenging clinical problems lacking specific diagnosis and effective therapy. It is caused by a complex interplay of environmental and genetic factors, and causal links between dysregulated microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) and myocarditis have also been supported by recent epigenetic researches. Both dysregulated CD4+ T cells and miRNAs play critical roles in the pathogenesis of myocarditis, and the classic triphasic model of its pathogenesis consists of the acute infectious, subacute immune, and recovery/chronic myopathic phase. CD4+ T cells are key pathogenic factors underlying the development and progression of myocarditis, and the effector and regulatory subsets, respectively, promote and inhibit autoimmune responses. Furthermore, the reciprocal interplay of these subsets influences the pathogenesis as well. Dysregulated miRNAs along with their mRNA and protein targets have been identified in heart biopsies (intracellular miRNAs) and body fluids (circulating miRNAs) during myocarditis. These miRNAs show phase-dependent changes, and correlate with viral infection, immune status, fibrosis, destruction of cardiomyocytes, arrhythmias, cardiac functions, and outcomes. Thus, miRNAs are promising diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in myocarditis. In this review, we review myocarditis with an emphasis on its pathogenesis, and present a summary of current knowledge of dysregulated CD4+ T cells and miRNAs in myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over the last decade, myocarditis has been increasingly recognized as common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults and heart failure overall. The purpose of this review is to discuss hypothesis of development of non-infectious myocarditis, to provide a description of the immunopathogenesis and the most common mechanisms of autoimmunity in myocarditis, and to provide an update on therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS A new entity of myocarditis is immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) induced myocarditis. ICIs are used in advanced cancer to "disinhibit" the immune system and make it more aggressive in fighting cancer. This novel drug class has doubled life expectancy in metastatic melanoma and significantly increased progression free survival in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, but comes with a risk of autoimmune diseases such as myocarditis resulting from an overly aggressive immune system. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart with major public health impact. Thorough understanding of its immunopathogenesis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
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