Histone deacetylase and GATA-binding factor 6 regulate arterial remodeling in angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Targeting GATA6 with pedunculoside inhibits fetal gene expression to attenuate pathological cardiac hypertrophy

BACKGROUND

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a characteristic feature of numerous cardiovascular diseases and significantly impacts human health. However, effective treatment options for cardiac hypertrophy are still significantly unmet. Pedunculoside, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin from the traditional Chinese herb Ilex rotunda Thunb., exhibits various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular therapeutic effects, but its anti-hypertrophy efficacy and mechanisms have not yet been reported.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to confirm the ameliorating effect of pedunculoside on cardiac hypertrophy and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

To investigate the effect of pedunculoside on cardiac hypertrophy, we used transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO) infusion to induce cardiac hypertrophy model in mice. Angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to mimic hypertrophy model in myocardial cells. Then, we utilized a biotin-tagged carabrone chemical probe and validation experiments to pinpoint pedunculoside's key targets. Further, molecular docking study and sites mutation were used to predict and identify the binding modes of pedunculoside to target. Finally, structural optimization was carried out to find new pedunculoside derivatives with stronger anti-hypertrophy activity and binding affinity to the target.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed for the first time that pedunculoside treatment significantly attenuated hypertrophic phenotypes in response to TAC and ISO. It also effectively reduced hypertrophy and fibrosis in myocardial cells exposed to Ang II stimulation. Mechanically, we identified transcription factor GATA-6 (GATA6) as a key target of pedunculoside for treating cardiac hypertrophy. Further studies demonstrated that pedunculoside blocks cardiac hypertrophy progression by inhibiting the transcriptional activation of GATA6 on promoting fetal gene expression. More importantly, a new pedunculoside derivative PE-3 with stronger anti-hypertrophy activity and affinity for GATA6 was discovered.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that pedunculoside and PE-3 could be developed as promising drug candidates for cardiac hypertrophy treatment.

Histone deacetylases: Regulation of vascular homeostasis via endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and the role in vascular pathogenesis

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are proteases that play a key role in chromosome structural modification and gene expression regulation, and the involvement of HDACs in cancer, the nervous system, and the metabolic and immune system has been well reviewed. Our understanding of the function of HDACs in the vascular system has recently progressed, and a significant variety of HDAC inhibitors have been shown to be effective in the treatment of vascular diseases. However, few reviews have focused on the role of HDACs in the vascular system. In this study, the role of HDACs in the regulation of the vascular system mainly involving endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells was discussed based on recent updates, and the role of HDACs in different vascular pathogenesis was summarized as well. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects and prospects of HDAC inhibitors were also addressed in this review.

Exploration of small molecule compounds targeting abdominal aortic aneurysm based on CMap database and molecular dynamics simulation

OBJECTIVE

The mitigation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth through pharmaceutical intervention offers the potential to avert the perils associated with AAA rupture and the subsequent need for surgical intervention. Nevertheless, the existing effective drugs for AAA treatment are limited, necessitating a pressing exploration for novel therapeutic medications.

METHODS

AAA-related transcriptome data were downloaded from GEO, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AAA tissue were screened for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Small molecule compounds and their target proteins with negative connectivity to the AAA expression profile were predicted in the Connectivity Map (CMap) database. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to predict the binding of the target protein to the small molecule compound, and the MM/GBSA method was used to calculate the binding free energy. Cluster analysis was performed using the cluster tool in the GROMACS package. An AAA cell-free model was built, and CETSA experiments were used to demonstrate the binding ability of small molecules to the target protein in cells.

RESULTS

A total of 2244 DEGs in AAA were obtained through differential analysis, and the DEGs were mainly enriched in the tubulin binding biological function and cell cycle pathway. The CMap results showed that Apicidin had a potential therapeutic effect on AAA with a connectivity score of -97.74, and HDAC4 was the target protein of Apicidin. Based on literature, HDAC4-Apicidin was selected as the subsequent research object. The lowest affinity of Apicidin-HDAC4 molecular docking was -8.218 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that Apicidin-HDAC4 could form a stable complex. MM/GBSA analysis showed a total binding free energy of -55.40 ± 0.79 kcal/mol, and cluster analysis showed that there were two main conformational clusters during the binding process, accounting for 22.4% and 57.8%, respectively. Apicidin could form hydrogen bonds with surrounding residues for stable binding. CETSA experiment proved the stable binding ability of Apicidin and HDAC4.

CONCLUSION

Apicidin inhibited HDAC4 in AAA and exhibited favorable protein-ligand interactions and stability, making it a potential candidate drug for treating AAA.

Activation of CaMKII/HDAC4 by SDF1 contributes to pulmonary arterial hypertension via stabilization Runx2

Stromal derived factor 1 (SDF1) has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To address this, we utilized primary cultured rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat models to investigate the mechanisms of SDF1 driving PASMCs proliferation and pulmonary arterial remodeling. SDF1 increased runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) acetylation by Calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent HDAC4 cytoplasmic translocation, elevation of Runx2 acetylation conferred its resistance to proteasome-mediated degradation. The accumulation of Runx2 further upregulated osteopontin (OPN) expression, finally leading to PASMCs proliferation. Blocking SDF1, suppression of CaMKII, inhibition the nuclear export of HDAC4 or silencing Runx2 attenuated pulmonary arterial remodeling and prevented PAH development in MCT-induced PAH rat models. Our study provides novel sights for SDF1 induction of PASMCs proliferation and suggests that targeting SDF1/CaMKII/HDAC4/Runx2 axis has potential value in the management of PAH.

The transcription factor GATA6 accelerates vascular smooth muscle cell senescence-related arterial calcification by counteracting the role of anti-aging factor SIRT6 and impeding DNA damage repair

Arterial calcification is a hallmark of vascular pathology in the elderly and in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), after attaining a senescent phenotype, are implicated in the calcifying process. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we reveal an aberrant upregulation of transcriptional factor GATA6 in the calcified aortas of humans, mice with CKD and mice subjected to vitamin D3 injection. Knockdown of GATA6, via recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying GATA6 shRNA, inhibited the development of arterial calcification in mice with CKD. Further gain- and loss-of function experiments in vitro verified the contribution of GATA6 in osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs. Samples of human aorta exhibited a positive relationship between age and GATA6 expression and GATA6 was also elevated in the aortas of old as compared to young mice. Calcified aortas displayed senescent features with VSMCs undergoing premature senescence, blunted by GATA6 downregulation. Notably, abnormal induction of GATA6 in senescent and calcified aortas was rescued in Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6)-transgenic mice, a well-established longevity mouse model. Suppression of GATA6 accounted for the favorable effect of SIRT6 on VSMCs senescence prevention. Mechanistically, SIRT6 inhibited the transcription of GATA6 by deacetylation and increased degradation of transcription factor Nkx2.5. Moreover, GATA6 was induced by DNA damage stress during arterial calcification and subsequently impeded the Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-mediated DNA damage repair process, leading to accelerated VSMCs senescence and osteogenic differentiation. Thus, GATA6 is a novel regulator in VSMCs senescence. Our findings provide novel insight in arterial calcification and a potential new target for intervention.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis and VSMC-derived foam cell formation by promoting lipophagy

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are one of the sources of foam cells in atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism of VSMC-derived foam cell formation remain largely unknown. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is considered to possess diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. However, the effects of BDMC on atherosclerosis remain unclear. Here, we established an in vitro foam cell model by culturing VSMCs with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The results show that BDMC reduced lipid droplets in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. In addition, BDMC promotes autophagy by suppressing PDK1/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo, BDMC alleviates inflammatory responses and lipid accumulation in in apoe-/- mice. Above all, the results from the present study suggested that BDMC may be used as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

HDAC4 in cancer: A multitasking platform to drive not only epigenetic modifications

Controlling access to genomic information and maintaining its stability are key aspects of cell life. Histone acetylation is a reversible epigenetic modification that allows access to DNA and the assembly of protein complexes that regulate mainly transcription but also other activities. Enzymes known as histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in the removal of the acetyl-group or in some cases of small hydrophobic moieties from histones but also from the non-histone substrate. The main achievement of HDACs on histones is to repress transcription and promote the formation of more compact chromatin. There are 18 different HDACs encoded in the human genome. Here we will discuss HDAC4, a member of the class IIa family, and its possible contribution to cancer development.

Critical Functions of Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) in Modulating Inflammation Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a superfamily of enzymes that catalyze the removal of acetyl functional groups from lysine residues of histone and non-histone proteins. There are 18 mammalian HDACs, which are classified into four classes based on the primary homology with yeast HDACs. Among these groups, Class I and II HDACs play a major role in lysine deacetylation of the N-terminal histone tails. In mammals, HDACs play a pivotal role in the regulation of gene transcription, cell growth, survival, and proliferation. HDACs regulate the expression of inflammatory genes, as evidenced by the potent anti-inflammatory activity of pan-HDAC inhibitors, which were implicated in several pathophysiologic states in the inflammation process. However, it is unclear how each of the 18 HDAC proteins specifically contributes to the inflammatory gene expression. It is firmly established that inflammation and its inability to converge are central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that several different pro-inflammatory cytokines regulated by HDACs are associated with various CVDs. Based on this hypothesis, the potential for the treatment of CVDs with HDAC inhibitors has recently begun to attract attention. In this review, we will briefly discuss (1) pathophysiology of inflammation in cardiovascular disease, (2) the function of HDACs in the regulation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, and (3) the possible therapeutic implications of HDAC inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies reveal that histone deacetylase contributes critically to mediating the pathophysiology of inflammation in cardiovascular disease. HDACs are also recognized as one of the major mechanisms in the regulation of inflammation and cardiovascular function. HDACs show promise in developing potential therapeutic implications of HDAC inhibitors in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Hypoxia-induced miR-182-5p regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch by targeting RGS5

In response to vascular injury or alterations in the local environment, such as hypoxia and hypertension, contractile vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are able to switch to a synthetic phenotype characterized by increased extracellular matrix synthesis with decreased expression of contractile markers. miR-182-5p has recently been reported to play a regulatory role in VSMCs proliferation. However, little is known about its target genes and related pathways in VSMCs phenotypic switch. Here, we investigated the function of miR-182-5p in VSMCs phenotypic switch. The results showed that upregulation of miR-182-5p promoted the switching of VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, hypoxia elevated miR-182-5p, leading to a reduction in expression of contractile markers and weakened RhoA signaling. Using bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue assays, we demonstrated that miR-182-5p suppressed RhoA signaling by targeting RGS5. Collectively, the results from the present study indicated that miR-182-5p/RGS5/RhoA axis regulated hypoxia-induced VSMCs phenotypic switch.

Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Regulates CaMKII-Dependent MAPK Signaling to Promote the Initiation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the effects of OSA on AAA initiation in a murine model of sleep apnea have not been completely studied. In this paper, Apoe^−/− C57BL/6 mice infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) were placed in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) condition for inducing OSA-related AAA. CIH significantly promoted the incidence of AAA and inhibited the survival of mice. By performing ultrasonography and elastic Van Gieson staining, CIH was found to be effective in promoting aortic dilation and elastin degradation. Immunohistochemical and zymography results show that CIH upregulated the expression and activity of MMP2 and MMP9 and upregulated MCP1 expression while downregulating α-SMA expression. Also, CIH exposure promoted ROS generation, apoptosis, and mitochondria damage in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which were measured by ROS assay, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The result of RNA sequencing of mouse aortas displayed that 232 mRNAs were differently expressed between Ang II and Ang II+CIH groups, and CaMKII-dependent p38/Jnk was confirmed as one downstream signaling of CIH. CaMKII-IN-1, an inhibitor of CaMKII, eliminated the effects of CIH on the loss of primary VSMCs. To conclude, a mouse model of OSA-related AAA, which contains the phenotypes of both AAA and OSA, was established in this study. We suggested CIH as a risk factor of AAA initiation through CaMKII-dependent MAPK signaling.

Genome-wide methylation patterns in Marfan syndrome

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the Fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Here, we undertook the first epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) in patients with MFS aiming at identifying DNA methylation loci associated with MFS phenotypes that may shed light on the disease process.

Methods

The Illumina 450 k DNA-methylation array was used on stored peripheral whole-blood samples of 190 patients with MFS originally included in the COMPARE trial. An unbiased genome-wide approach was used, and methylation of CpG-sites across the entire genome was evaluated. Additionally, we investigated CpG-sites across the FBN1-locus (15q21.1) more closely, since this is the gene defective in MFS. Differentially Methylated Positions (DMPs) and Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs) were identified through regression analysis. Associations between methylation levels and aortic diameters and presence or absence of 21 clinical features of MFS at baseline were analyzed. Moreover, associations between aortic diameter change, and the occurrence of clinical events (death any cause, type-A or -B dissection/rupture, or aortic surgery) and methylation levels were analyzed.

Results

We identified 28 DMPs that are significantly associated with aortic diameters in patients with MFS. Seven of these DMPs (25%) could be allocated to a gene that was previously associated with cardiovascular diseases (HDAC4, IGF2BP3, CASZ1, SDK1, PCDHGA1, DIO3, PTPRN2). Moreover, we identified seven DMPs that were significantly associated with aortic diameter change and five DMP’s that associated with clinical events. No significant associations at p < 10^–8 or p < 10^–6 were found with any of the non-cardiovascular phenotypic MFS features. Investigating DMRs, clusters were seen mostly on X- and Y, and chromosome 18–22. The remaining DMRs indicated involvement of a large family of protocadherins on chromosome 5, which were not reported in MFS before.

Conclusion

This EWAS in patients with MFS has identified a number of methylation loci significantly associated with aortic diameters, aortic dilatation rate and aortic events. Our findings add to the slowly growing literature on the regulation of gene expression in MFS patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01204-4.

MicroRNA-212-5p and its target PAFAH1B2 suppress vascular proliferation and contraction via the downregulation of RhoA

Vascular remodeling and contraction contribute to the development of hypertension. We investigated the role of miR-212-5p and its downstream target in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration, and contraction. MicroRNA microarray and PCR analyses showed that miR-212-5p expression was increased with angiotensin II treatment in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, miR-212-5p mimic treatment attenuated and miR-212-5p inhibitor treatment increased VSMC proliferation and migration. Additionally, miR-212-5p mimic treatment suppressed VSMC contraction and related gene expression [Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated protein kinase 2], while miR-212-5p inhibitor treatment exerted opposite effects. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1B2 (PAFAH1B2) is a target of miR-212-5p. miR-212-5p mimic treatment significantly reduced and miR-212-5p inhibitor treatment increased PAFAH1B2 expression. Furthermore, PAFAH1B2 expression was decreased in angiotensin II-treated aortic tissues and VSMCs. PAFAH1B2 was ubiquitously expressed in most adult rat tissues. In the vasculature, PAFAH1B2 was only distributed in the cytoplasm. PAFAH1B2 overexpression decreased A10 cell proliferation, while PAFAH1B2 knockdown increased A10 cell proliferation and cyclin D1 mRNA levels. PAFAH1B2 knockdown stimulated VSMC contraction and RhoA expression. These results suggest that miR-212-5p and PAFAH1B2 are novel negative regulators of VSMC proliferation, migration, and contraction in hypertension.

Angiotensin II-induced histone deacetylase 5 phosphorylation, nuclear export, and Egr-1 expression are mediated by Akt pathway in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin II (ANG II) regulates an array of physiological and pathological responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by activating ERK1/2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. We have demonstrated that ANG II and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) induce the expression of early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), a zinc finger transcription factor, which regulates the transcription of cell cycle regulatory genes network in VSMCs. We have reported that IGF-1 induces the phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), which has been implicated in the expression of genes linked to VSMC growth and hypertrophy, via a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in VSMCs. However, the involvement of PI3K/Akt pathways in ANG II-induced HDAC5 phosphorylation and the contribution of HDAC5 in Egr-1 expression and hypertrophy in VSMCs remain unexplored. Here, we show that pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway either by wortmannin/SC66 or siRNA-induced silencing of Akt attenuated ANG II-induced HDAC5 phosphorylation and its nuclear export. Moreover, SC66 or Akt knockdown also suppressed ANG II-induced Egr-1 expression. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of HDAC5 by MC1568 or TMP-195 or knockdown of HDAC5 and the blockade of the nuclear export of HDAC5 by leptomycin B or KPT-330 significantly reduced ANG II-induced Egr-1 expression. In addition, depletion of either HDAC5 or Egr-1 by siRNA attenuated VSMC hypertrophy in response to ANG II. In summary, our results demonstrate that ANG II-induced HDAC5 phosphorylation and its nuclear exclusion are mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway and HDAC5 is an upstream regulator of Egr-1 expression and hypertrophy in VSMCs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY ANG II-induced histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) phosphorylation and nuclear export occurs via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Akt, through HDAC5, regulates ANG II-induced expression of early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), which is a transcription factor linked with vascular dysfunction. Inhibition of HDAC5 exclusion by nuclear export inhibitors suppresses ANG II-induced Egr-1 expression. HDAC5 is an upstream mediator of Egr-1 expression and cell hypertrophy in response to ANG II in vascular smooth muscle cells.

HDAC5 inhibition reduces angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction, hypertrophy, and oxidative stress in a mouse model

Non-specific histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition reduces high blood pressure in essential hypertensive animal models. However, the exact HDAC isoforms that play a critical role in controlling hypertension are not known. Here, we investigated the role of HDAC5 in vascular contraction, hypertrophy, and oxidative stress in the context of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension. Genetic deletion of HDAC5 and treatment with class IIa HDAC inhibitors (TMP269 and TMP195) prevented Ang II-induced increases in blood pressure and arterial wall thickness. Hdac5-knockout mice were also resistant to the thromboxane A2 agonist (U46619)-induced vascular contractile response. Furthermore, the expression of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) 2 was downregulated in the aortas of Ang II-treated Hdac5-knockout mice. Knockdown of HDAC5, RhoA, or ROCK2 reduced collagen gel contraction, whereas silencing of ROCK1 increased it. VSMC hypertrophy reduced on knocking down HDAC5, ROCK1, and ROCK2. Here we showed that genetic deletion of HDAC5 and pharmacological inhibition of class IIa HDACs ameliorated Ang II-induced ROS generation. Moreover, ROCK1 and ROCK2, the downstream targets of HDAC5, influenced ROS generation. The relative protein levels of HDAC5, ROCK1, and ROCK2 were increased both in the cytoplasm and nuclear fraction in response to Ang II stimulation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Inhibition of HDAC5 expression or activity reduced vascular hypertrophy, vasoconstriction, and oxidative stress in the Ang II-induced hypertension model. These findings indicate that HDAC5 may serve as a potential target in the treatment of hypertension.

Silencing of circHIPK3 Inhibits Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Dysfunction by Sponging miR-185-3p

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy is induced by diverse patho-physiological stimuli and indicates an increase in cardiomyocyte size. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), members of noncoding RNAs, are involved in several biological processes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Here, we investigated the potential role of circHIPK3, which is produced by the third exon of the HIPK3 gene in cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods

qRT-PCR and Sanger sequencing were conducted to identify the expression and characteristics (head-to-tail structure, stability, and location) of circHIPK3 in cardiac hypertrophy; Immunostaining of α-SMA was performed to evaluate the size of the cardiomyocytes; Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) induced hypertrophy models of mice were established to investigate the effect of circHIPK3 in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism of circHIPK3-mediated cardiac hypertrophy.

Results

circHIPK3 is circular, more stable, and mainly located in the cytoplasm. Silencing of circHIPK3 inhibited the TAC induced cardiac hypertrophy, and reversed the effect of TAC on the echocardiograph parameters, such as left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDPS), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), and also the heart weight to tibial length (HW/TL). Angiotensin II (Ang II) Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes showed larger size of cardiomyocyte and upregulation of fetal genes, biomarkers of cardiac hypertrophy, peptide hormones, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and myofilament protein, β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC). These effects were reversed by circHIPK3 knockdown. Mechanically, circHIPK3 sponges miR-185-3p. In addition, miR-185-3p targets CASR. The rescue experiments confirmed the interaction between circHIPK3 and miR-185-3p as well as miR-185-3p and CASR.

Discussion

Our data suggested that circHIPK3 serve as a miR-185-3p sponge to regulate cardiac hypertrophy revealing a potential new target for the prevention of TAC- and Ang-II induced cardiac hypertrophy.

The CaMKII phosphorylation site Thr1604 in the CaV1.2 channel is involved in pathological myocardial hypertrophy in rats

Residue Thr1604 in the Ca_V1.2 channel is a Ca²⁺/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation site, and its phosphorylation status maintains the basic activity of the channel. However, the role of Ca_V1.2 phosphorylation at Thr1604 in myocardial hypertrophy is incompletely understood. Isoproterenol (ISO) was used to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide (AIP) was added as a treatment. Rats in a myocardial hypertrophy development model were subcutaneously injected with ISO for two or three weeks. The heart and left ventricle weights, each of which were normalized to the body weight and cross-sectional area of the myocardial cells, were used to describe the degree of hypertrophy. Protein expression levels were detected by western blotting. CaMKII-induced Ca_V1.2 (Thr1604) phosphorylation (p-Ca_V1.2) was assayed by coimmunoprecipitation. The results showed that CaMKII, HDAC, MEF2 C, and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression was increased in the ISO group and downregulated by AIP treatment in vitro. There was no difference in the expression of these proteins between the ISO 2-week group and the ISO 3-week group in vivo. Ca_V1.2 channel expression did not change, but p-Ca_V1.2 expression was increased after ISO stimulation and decreased by AIP. In the rat model, p-Ca_V1.2 levels and CaMKII activity were much higher in the ISO 3-week group than in the ISO 2-week group. CaMKII-induced Ca_V1.2 channel phosphorylation at residue Thr1604 may be one of the key features of myocardial hypertrophy and disease development.Abbreviations: CaMKII: Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II; p-CaMKII: autophosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II; CaM: calmodulin; AIP: autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide; ECC: excitation-contraction coupling; ISO: isoproterenol; BW: body weight; HW: heart weight; LVW: left ventricle weight; HDAC: histone deacetylase; p-HDAC: phosphorylated histone deacetylase; MEF2C: myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C; ANP: atrial natriuretic peptide; PKC: protein kinase C

Protective Role of RNA Helicase DEAD-Box Protein 5 in Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Vascular Remodeling

RATIONALE

RNA helicases, highly conserved enzymes, are currently believed to be not only involved in RNA modulation, but also in other biological processes. We recently reported that RNA helicase DDX (DEAD-box protein)-5 is required for maintaining the homeostasis of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the expression and function of RNA helicase in vascular physiology and disease is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of RNA helicase in vascular diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We showed here that DDX-5 was the most abundant DEAD-box protein expressed in human and rodent artery, which mainly located in SMCs. It was demonstrated that DDX-5 levels were reduced in cytokine-stimulated SMCs and vascular lesions. DDX-5 knocking down or deficiency increased SMC proliferation and migration, whereas overexpression of DDX-5 prevented aberrant proliferation and migration of SMCs. Mechanistic studies revealed transcription factor GATA (GATA-binding protein)-6 as a novel downstream target of DDX-5, which directly interacted with GATA-6 and protected it from MDM (mouse double minute)-2-mediated degradation. Our ChIP assay identified a previously unreported binding of p27^Kip1 promoter to GATA-6. DDX-5 increased the recruitment of GATA-6 to p27^Kip1 promoter, which enhanced p27^Kip1 expression and maintained SMC quiescence. Finally, we showed exacerbated neointima formation in DDX-5 SMC-deficient mice after femoral artery injury, whereas overexpression of DDX-5 potently inhibited vascular remodeling in balloon-injured rat carotid artery.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the first evidence for a role of RNA helicase DDX-5 in the protection against SMC proliferation, migration, and neointimal hyperplasia. Our data extend the fundamental role of RNA helicase beyond RNA modulation, which provides the basic information for new therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases.

Selective inhibition of histone deacetylase 8 improves vascular hypertrophy, relaxation, and inflammation in angiotensin II hypertensive mice

Background

The dysregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) protein expression or its enzyme activity is implicated in a variety of diseases. Cardiac HDAC6 and HDAC8 enzyme activity induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) hypertension was attenuated by sodium valproate, a pan-HDAC inhibitor. However, the HDAC6-selective inhibitor, tubastatin A, did not attenuate angiotensin II-induced hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PCI34051, an HDAC8-selective inhibitor, can modulate angiotensin II-induced hypertension and its regulatory mechanism.

Methods

An angiotensin II-regulated mouse model was used in this study. Animals received vehicle or PCI34051 (3 mg·kg - ¹·day- ¹) via intraperitoneal injection. Systolic blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method. Blood vessel thickness was measured following hematoxylin and eosin staining, VCAM-1 immunohistochemistry was performed in the aortas, and mRNA expression of renin-angiotensin system components, inflammation markers, and NADPH oxidase (Nox) was determined by RT-PCR. The effect of PCI34051 on vasorelaxation was studied in rat aortic rings, and its effect on nitric oxide (NO) production was determined using DAF-FM DA, a fluorescent dye, in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

PCI34051 administration reduced systolic blood pressure via downregulation of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) mRNA expression. PCI34051 treatment attenuated vascular hypertrophy by decreasing E2F3 and GATA6 mRNA expression. Vascular relaxation after PCI34051 treatment was more dependent on vascular endothelial cells and it was blocked by an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. In addition, NO production increased in HUVECs after PCI34051 treatment; this was decreased by the NOS inhibitor. The expression of inflammatory molecules and adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 decreased in the aortas of angiotensin II-infused mice after PCI34051 administration. However, PCI34051 did not affect Nox or its regulatory subunits.

Conclusions

PCI34051 lowered high blood pressure through modulation of arterial remodeling, vasoconstriction, and inflammation in an angiotensin II-induced hypertension model. We suggest that HDAC8 could be a potential therapeutic target for hypertension.

The role of post-translational modifications in cardiac hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy involves excessive protein synthesis, increased cardiac myocyte size and ultimately the development of heart failure. Thus, pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases and death in humans. Extensive research in the last decade has revealed that post‐translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, O‐GlcNAcylation, methylation and acetylation, play important roles in pathological cardiac hypertrophy pathways. These PTMs potently mediate myocardial hypertrophy responses via the interaction, stability, degradation, cellular translocation and activation of receptors, adaptors and signal transduction events. These changes occur in response to pathological hypertrophy stimuli. In this review, we summarize the roles of PTMs in regulating the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, PTMs are discussed as potential targets for treating or preventing cardiac hypertrophy.

Class I histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 attenuates vasoconstriction and inflammation in angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Objective

Non-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are known to improve hypertension. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect and regulatory mechanism of the class I HDAC selective inhibitors, MS-275 and RGFP966, in angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertensive mice.

Methods and results

MS-275 inhibited the activity of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3, while RGFP966 weakly inhibited that of HDAC3 in a cell-free system. MS-275 and RGFP966 treatment reduced systolic blood pressure and thickness of the aorta wall in Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. MS-275 treatment reduced aorta collagen deposition, as determined by Masson’s trichrome staining. MS-275 decreased the components of the renin angiotensin system and increased vascular relaxation of rat aortic rings via the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. NO levels reduced by Ang II were restored by MS-275 treatment in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, MS-275 dose (3 mg·kg^-1·day^-1) was not enough to induce NO production in vivo. In addition, MS-275 did not prevent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling in the aorta of Ang II-induced mice. Treatment with MS-275 failed to inhibit Ang II-induced expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox)1, Nox2, and p47phox. MS-275 treatment reduced proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, as well as adhesion molecules. Histological analysis showed that Ang II-induced macrophage infiltration was reduced by MS-275 and RGFP966 administration.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that class I HDAC selective inhibitors may be good therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension through the regulation of vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction, as well as inflammation.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor LMK235 attenuates vascular constriction and aortic remodelling in hypertension

Here, we report that LMK235, a class I and histone deacetylase (HDAC6)‐preferential HDAC inhibitor, reduces hypertension via inhibition of vascular contraction and vessel hypertrophy. Angiotensin II‐infusion mice and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to test the anti‐hypertensive effect of LMK235. Daily injection of LMK235 lowered angiotensin II‐induced systolic blood pressure (BP). A reduction in systolic BP in SHRs was observed on the second day when SHRs were treated with 3 mg/kg LMK235 every 3 days. However, LMK235 treatment did not affect angiotensin‐converting enzyme 1 and angiotensin II receptor mRNA expression in either hypertensive model. LMK235, acting via the nitric oxide pathway, facilitated the relaxing of vascular contractions induced by a thromboxane A2 agonist in the rat aortic and mesenteric artery ring test. In addition, LMK235 increased nitric oxide production in HUVECs and inhibited the increasing of aortic wall thickness in both animal hypertensive models. LMK235 decreased the enhanced cell cycle‐related genes cyclin D1 and E2F3 in angiotensin II‐infusion mice and restored the decreased p21 expression. In addition, LMK235 suppressed calcium calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) α, which is related to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Inhibition or knockdown of HDAC5 blocked the CaMKIIα‐induced cell cycle gene expression. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that class I HDACs were involved in the inhibition of CaMKII α‐induced HDAC4/5 by LMK235. We suggest that LMK235 should be further investigated for its use in the development of new therapeutic options to treat hypertension via reducing vascular hyperplasia or vasoconstriction.

Angiotensin II Signal Transduction: An Update on Mechanisms of Physiology and Pathophysiology

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. However, many of the signaling mechanisms have been unclear. The angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT₁R) is believed to mediate most functions of ANG II in the system. AT₁R utilizes various signal transduction cascades causing hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, and end organ damage. Moreover, functional cross-talk between AT₁R signaling pathways and other signaling pathways have been recognized. Accumulating evidence reveals the complexity of ANG II signal transduction in pathophysiology of the vasculature, heart, kidney, and brain, as well as several pathophysiological features, including inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and aging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the ANG II receptor signaling events and their functional significances for potential translation into therapeutic strategies. AT₁R remains central to the system in mediating physiological and pathophysiological functions of ANG II, and participation of specific signaling pathways becomes much clearer. There are still certain limitations and many controversies, and several noteworthy new concepts require further support. However, it is expected that rigorous translational research of the ANG II signaling pathways including those in large animals and humans will contribute to establishing effective new therapies against various diseases.

Gallic acid attenuates calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II-induced apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hypertension causes cardiac hypertrophy and leads to heart failure. Apoptotic cells are common in hypertensive hearts. Ca²⁺/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is associated with apoptosis. We recently demonstrated that gallic acid reduces nitric oxide synthase inhibition‐induced hypertension. Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid and has been shown to have beneficial effects, such as anti‐cancer, anti‐calcification and anti‐oxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether gallic acid regulates cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis in essential hypertension. Gallic acid significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and H&E staining revealed that gallic acid reduced cardiac enlargement in SHRs. Gallic acid treatment decreased cardiac hypertrophy marker genes, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), in SHRs. The four isoforms, α, β, δ and γ, of CaMKII were increased in SHRs and were significantly reduced by gallic acid administration. Gallic acid reduced cleaved caspase‐3 protein as well as bax, p53 and p300 mRNA levels in SHRs. CaMKII δ overexpression induced bax and p53 expression, which was attenuated by gallic acid treatment in H9c2 cells. Gallic acid treatment reduced DNA fragmentation and the TUNEL positive cells induced by angiotensin II. Taken together, gallic acid could be a novel therapeutic for the treatment of hypertension through suppression of CaMKII δ‐induced apoptosis.

Expression of Class I and Class II a/b Histone Deacetylase is Dysregulated in Hypertensive Animal Models

Background and Objectives

Dysregulation of histone deacetylase expression and enzymatic activity is associated with a number of diseases. It has been reported that protein levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC)1 and HDAC5 increase during human pulmonary hypertension, and that the enzymatic activity of HDAC6 is induced in a chronic hypertensive animal model. This study investigated the protein expression profiles of class I and II a/b HDACs in three systemic hypertension models.

Subjects and Methods

We used three different hypertensive animal models: (i) Wistar-Kyoto rats (n=8) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; n=8), (ii) mice infused with saline or angiotensin II to induce hypertension, via osmotic mini-pump for 2 weeks, and (iii) mice that were allowed to drink L-N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to induce hypertension.

Results

SHR showed high systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures. Similar increases in systolic blood pressure were observed in angiotensin II or L-NAME-induced hypertensive mice. In SHR, class IIa HDAC (HDAC4, 5, and 7) and class IIb HDAC (HDAC6 and 10) protein expression were significantly increased. In addition, a HDAC3 protein expression was induced in SHR. However, in L-NAME mice, class IIa HDAC protein levels (HDAC4, 5, 7, and 9) were significantly reduced. HDAC8 protein levels were significantly reduced both in angiotensin II mice and in SHR.

Conclusion

These results indicate that dysregulation of class I and class II HDAC protein is closely associated with chronic hypertension.