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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Cavinato C, Wang M, Ramachandra AB, Spronck B, Li DS, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Biomechanical and transcriptional evidence that smooth muscle cell death drives an osteochondrogenic phenotype and severe proximal vascular disease in progeria. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1333-1347. [PMID: 37149823 PMCID: PMC10544720 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome results in rapid aging and severe cardiovascular sequelae that accelerate near end-of-life. We found a progressive disease process in proximal elastic arteries that was less evident in distal muscular arteries. Changes in aortic structure and function were then associated with changes in transcriptomics assessed via both bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, which suggested a novel sequence of progressive aortic disease: adverse extracellular matrix remodeling followed by mechanical stress-induced smooth muscle cell death, leading a subset of remnant smooth muscle cells to an osteochondrogenic phenotype that results in an accumulation of proteoglycans that thickens the aortic wall and increases pulse wave velocity, with late calcification exacerbating these effects. Increased central artery pulse wave velocity is known to drive left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, the primary diagnosis in progeria children. It appears that mechanical stresses above ~ 80 kPa initiate this progressive aortic disease process, explaining why elastic lamellar structures that are organized early in development under low wall stresses appear to be nearly normal whereas other medial constituents worsen progressively in adulthood. Mitigating early mechanical stress-driven smooth muscle cell loss/phenotypic modulation promises to have important cardiovascular implications in progeria patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Molly Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Bart Spronck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - David S Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Kim J, Hwang Y, Kim S, Chang Y, Kim Y, Kwon Y, Kim J. Transcriptional activation of endogenous Oct4 via the CRISPR/dCas9 activator ameliorates Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome in mice. Aging Cell 2023:e13825. [PMID: 36964992 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Partial cellular reprogramming via transient expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc induces rejuvenation and reduces aged-cell phenotypes. In this study, we found that transcriptional activation of the endogenous Oct4 gene by using the CRISPR/dCas9 activator system can efficiently ameliorate hallmarks of aging in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). We observed that the dCas9-Oct4 activator induced epigenetic remodeling, as evidenced by increased H3K9me3 and decreased H4K20me3 levels, without tumorization. Moreover, the progerin accumulation in HGPS aorta was significantly suppressed by the dCas9 activator-mediated Oct4 induction. Importantly, CRISPR/dCas9-activated Oct4 expression rescued the HGPS-associated vascular pathological features and lifespan shortening in the mouse model. These results suggest that partial rejuvenation via CRISPR/dCas9-mediated Oct4 activation can be used as a novel strategy in treating geriatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyeop Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yerim Hwang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yujung Chang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yunkyung Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Laboratory of Protein Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, 04620, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongpil Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Cell reprogramming, Department of Chemistry, Dongguk University, 100-715, Seoul, Korea
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3
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Murtada SI, Mikush N, Wang M, Ren P, Kawamura Y, Ramachandra AB, Li DS, Braddock DT, Tellides G, Gordon LB, Humphrey JD. Lonafarnib improves cardiovascular function and survival in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. eLife 2023; 12:82728. [PMID: 36930696 PMCID: PMC10023154 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated that lonafarnib, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, extends the lifespan in patients afflicted by Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a devastating condition that accelerates many characteristics of aging and results in premature death due to cardiovascular sequelae. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Zokinvy (lonafarnib) in November 2020 for treating these patients, yet a detailed examination of drug-associated effects on cardiovascular structure, properties, and function has remained wanting. In this paper, we report encouraging outcomes of daily post-weaning treatment with lonafarnib on the composition and biomechanical phenotype of elastic and muscular arteries as well as associated cardiac function in a well-accepted mouse model of progeria that exhibits severe perimorbid cardiovascular disease. Lonafarnib resulted in 100% survival of the treated progeria mice to the study end-point (time of 50% survival of untreated mice), with associated improvements in arterial structure and function working together to significantly reduce pulse wave velocity and improve left ventricular diastolic function. By contrast, neither treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin alone nor dual treatment with lonafarnib plus rapamycin improved outcomes over that achieved with lonafarnib monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Nicole Mikush
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | | | - David S Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | | | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Leslie B Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Warren Albert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
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4
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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Cavinato C, Wang M, Ramachandra AB, Spronck B, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Smooth Muscle Cell Death Drives an Osteochondrogenic Phenotype and Severe Proximal Vascular Disease in Progeria. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523266. [PMID: 36711514 PMCID: PMC9882088 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome results in rapid aging and severe cardiovascular sequelae that accelerate near end of life. We associate progressive deterioration of arterial structure and function with single cell transcriptional changes, which reveals a rapid disease process in proximal elastic arteries that largely spares distal muscular arteries. These data suggest a novel sequence of progressive vascular disease in progeria: initial extracellular matrix remodeling followed by mechanical stress-induced smooth muscle cell death in proximal arteries, leading a subset of remnant smooth muscle cells to an osteochondrogenic phenotypic modulation that results in an accumulation of proteoglycans that thickens the wall and increases pulse wave velocity, with late calcification exacerbating these effects. Increased pulse wave velocity drives left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, the primary diagnosis in progeria children. Mitigating smooth muscle cell loss / phenotypic modulation promises to have important cardiovascular implications in progeria patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Bart Spronck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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5
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Irons L, Estrada AC, Humphrey JD. Intracellular signaling control of mechanical homeostasis in the aorta. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:1339-1355. [PMID: 35867282 PMCID: PMC10547132 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01593-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mature arteries exhibit a preferred biomechanical state in health evidenced by a narrow range of intramural and wall shear stresses. When stresses are perturbed by changes in blood pressure or flow, homeostatic mechanisms tend to restore target values via altered contractility and/or cell and matrix turnover. In contrast, vascular disease associates with compromised homeostasis, hence we must understand mechanisms underlying mechanical homeostasis and its robustness. Here, we use a multiscale computational model wherein mechanosensitive intracellular signaling pathways drive arterial growth and remodeling. First, we identify an ensemble of cell-level parameterizations where tissue-level responses are well-regulated and adaptive to hemodynamic perturbations. The responsible mechanism is persistent multiscale negative feedback whereby mechanosensitive signaling drives mass turnover until homeostatic target stresses are reached. This demonstrates how robustness emerges despite inevitable cell and individual heterogeneity. Second, we investigate tissue-level effects of signaling node knockdowns (ATIR, ROCK, TGF[Formula: see text]RII, PDGFR, ERK1/2) and find general agreement with experimental reports of fault tolerance. Robustness against structural changes manifests via low engagement of the node under baseline stresses or compensatory multiscale feedback via upregulation of additional pathways. Third, we show how knockdowns affect collagen and smooth muscle turnover at baseline and with perturbed stresses. In several cases, basal production is not remarkably affected, but sensitivities to stress deviations, which influence feedback strength, are reduced. Such reductions can impair adaptive responses, consistent with previously reported aortic vulnerability despite grossly normal appearances. Reduced stress sensitivities thus form a candidate mechanism for how robustness is lost, enabling transitions from health towards disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Irons
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ana C Estrada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Ramachandra AB, Mikush N, Sauler M, Humphrey JD, Manning EP. Compromised Cardiopulmonary Function in Fibulin-5 Deficient Mice. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:1136732. [PMID: 35171214 PMCID: PMC8990734 DOI: 10.1115/1.4053873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Competent elastic fibers are critical to the function of the lung and right circulation. Murine models of elastopathies can aid in understanding the functional roles of the elastin and elastin-associated glycoproteins that constitute elastic fibers. Here, we quantify together lung and pulmonary arterial structure, function, and mechanics with right heart function in a mouse model deficient in the elastin-associated glycoprotein fibulin-5. Differences emerged as a function of genotype, sex, and arterial region. Specifically, functional studies revealed increased lung compliance in fibulin-5 deficiency consistent with a histologically observed increased alveolar disruption. Biaxial mechanical tests revealed that the primary branch pulmonary arteries exhibit decreased elastic energy storage capacity and wall stress despite only modest differences in circumferential and axial material stiffness in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. Histological quantifications confirm a lower elastic fiber content in the fibulin-5 deficient pulmonary arteries, with fragmented elastic laminae in the outer part of the wall - likely the reason for reduced energy storage. Ultrasound measurements confirm sex differences in compromised right ventricular function in the fibulin-5 deficient mice. These results reveal compromised right heart function, but opposite effects of elastic fiber dysfunction on the lung parenchyma (significantly increased compliance) and pulmonary arteries (trend toward decreased distensibility), and call for further probing of ventilation-perfusion relationships in pulmonary pathologies. Amongst many other models, fibulin-5 deficient mice can contribute to our understanding of the complex roles of elastin in pulmonary health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay B. Ramachandra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Nicole Mikush
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Maor Sauler
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- e-mail:
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- e-mail:
| | - Edward P. Manning
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510; West Haven Connecticut VA and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
- Corresponding author. e-mail:
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7
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Progressive aortic stiffness in aging C57Bl/6 mice displays altered contractile behaviour and extracellular matrix changes. Commun Biol 2022; 5:605. [PMID: 35710942 PMCID: PMC9203497 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic stiffness is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This study presents an in-dept characterization of aortic aging in male C57Bl/6 mice (2–24 months). Cardiovascular measurements include echocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and ex vivo organ chamber experiments. In vivo and ex vivo aortic stiffness increases with age, and precede the development of cardiac hypertrophy and peripheral blood pressure alterations. Contraction-independent stiffening (due to extracellular matrix changes) is pressure-dependent. Contraction-dependent aortic stiffening develops through heightened α1-adrenergic contractility, aberrant voltage-gated calcium channel function, and altered vascular smooth muscle cell calcium handling. Endothelial dysfunction is limited to a modest decrease in sensitivity to acetylcholine-induced relaxation with age. Our findings demonstrate that progressive arterial stiffening in C57Bl/6 mice precedes associated cardiovascular disease. Aortic aging is due to changes in extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell signalling, and not to altered endothelial function. A 24-month aging study in male C57Bl/6 mice reveals that aortic aging precedes cardiovascular disease and is due to changes in the extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell signaling.
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8
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von Kleeck R, Castagnino P, Assoian RK. Progerin mislocalizes myocardin-related transcription factor in Hutchinson-Guilford Progeria syndrome. VASCULAR BIOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 4:1-10. [PMID: 35441125 PMCID: PMC9012937 DOI: 10.1530/vb-21-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hutchinson-Guilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disease of premature aging and early death due to cardiovascular disease. The arteries of HGPS children and mice are pathologically stiff, and HGPS mice also display reduced arterial contractility. We recently showed that reduced contractility is an early event in HGPS and linked to an aberrantly low expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (smMHC). Here, we have explored the basis for reduced smMHC abundance and asked whether it is a direct effect of progerin expression or a longer-term adaptive response. Myh11, the gene encoding for smMHC, is regulated by myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs), and we show that HGPS aortas have a reduced MRTF signature. Additionally, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) isolated from HGPS mice display reduced MRTF nuclear localization. Acute progerin expression in WT SMCs phenocopied both the decrease in MRTF nuclear localization and expression of Myh11 seen in HGPS. Interestingly, RNA-mediated depletion of MRTF-A in WT SMCs reproduced the preferential inhibitory effect of progerin on Myh11 mRNA relative to Acta2 mRNA. Our results show that progerin expression acutely disrupts MRTF localization to the nucleus and suggest that the consequent decrease in nuclear coactivator activity can help to explain the reduction in smMHC abundance and SMC contractility seen in HGPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan von Kleeck
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paola Castagnino
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Richard K Assoian
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Hopper SE, Cuomo F, Ferruzzi J, Burris NS, Roccabianca S, Humphrey JD, Figueroa CA. Comparative Study of Human and Murine Aortic Biomechanics and Hemodynamics in Vascular Aging. Front Physiol 2021; 12:746796. [PMID: 34759837 PMCID: PMC8573132 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.746796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Aging has many effects on the cardiovascular system, including changes in structure (aortic composition, and thus stiffening) and function (increased proximal blood pressure, and thus cardiac afterload). Mouse models are often used to gain insight into vascular aging and mechanisms of disease as they allow invasive assessments that are impractical in humans. Translation of results from murine models to humans can be limited, however, due to species-specific anatomical, biomechanical, and hemodynamic differences. In this study, we built fluid-solid-interaction (FSI) models of the aorta, informed by biomechanical and imaging data, to compare wall mechanics and hemodynamics in humans and mice at two equivalent ages: young and older adults. Methods: For the humans, 3-D computational models were created using wall property data from the literature as well as patient-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-invasive hemodynamic data; for the mice, comparable models were created using population-based properties and hemodynamics as well as subject-specific anatomies. Global aortic hemodynamics and wall stiffness were compared between humans and mice across age groups. Results: For young adult subjects, we found differences between species in pulse pressure amplification, compliance and resistance distribution, and aortic stiffness gradient. We also found differences in response to aging between species. Generally, the human spatial gradients of stiffness and pulse pressure across the aorta diminished with age, while they increased for the mice. Conclusion: These results highlight key differences in vascular aging between human and mice, and it is important to acknowledge these when using mouse models for cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Hopper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Federica Cuomo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacopo Ferruzzi
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Nicholas S. Burris
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sara Roccabianca
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jay D. Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - C. Alberto Figueroa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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10
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Weiss D, Latorre M, Rego BV, Cavinato C, Tanski BJ, Berman AG, Goergen CJ, Humphrey JD. Biomechanical consequences of compromised elastic fiber integrity and matrix cross-linking on abdominal aortic aneurysmal enlargement. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:422-434. [PMID: 34332103 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized histopathologically by compromised elastic fiber integrity, lost smooth muscle cells or their function, and remodeled collagen. We used a recently introduced mouse model of AAAs that combines enzymatic degradation of elastic fibers and blocking of lysyl oxidase, and thus matrix cross-linking, to study progressive dilatation of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, including development of intraluminal thrombus. We quantified changes in biomaterial properties and biomechanical functionality within the aneurysmal segment as a function of time of enlargement and degree of thrombosis. Towards this end, we combined multi-modality imaging with state-of-the art biomechanical testing and histology to quantify regional heterogeneities for the first time and we used a computational model of arterial growth and remodeling to test multiple hypotheses, suggested by the data, regarding the degree of lost elastin, accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, and rates of collagen turnover. We found that standard histopathological findings can be misleading, while combining advanced experimental and computational methods revealed that glycosaminoglycan accumulation is pathologic, not adaptive, and that heightened collagen deposition is ineffective if not cross-linked. In conclusion, loss of elastic fiber integrity can be a strong initiator of aortic aneurysms, but it is the rate and effectiveness of fibrillar collagen remodeling that dictates enlargement. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Precise mechanisms by which abdominal aortic aneurysms enlarge remain unclear, but a recent elastase plus β-aminopropionitrile mouse model provides new insight into disease progression. As in the human condition, the aortic degeneration and adverse remodeling are highly heterogeneous in this model. Our multi-modality experiments quantify and contrast the heterogeneities in geometry and biomaterial properties, and our computational modeling shows that standard histopathology can be misleading. Neither accumulating glycosaminoglycans nor frustrated collagen synthesis slow disease progression, thus highlighting the importance of stimulating adaptive collagen remodeling to limit lesion enlargement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Latorre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - B V Rego
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - B J Tanski
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - A G Berman
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - C J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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von Kleeck R, Castagnino P, Roberts E, Talwar S, Ferrari G, Assoian RK. Decreased vascular smooth muscle contractility in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome linked to defective smooth muscle myosin heavy chain expression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10625. [PMID: 34012019 PMCID: PMC8134495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90119-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) suffer from multiple cardiovascular pathologies due to the expression of progerin, a mutant form of the nuclear envelope protein Lamin A. Progerin expression has a dramatic effect on arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and results in decreased viability and increased arterial stiffness. However, very little is known about how progerin affects SMC contractility. Here, we studied the LaminAG609G/G609G mouse model of HGPS and found reduced arterial contractility at an early age that correlates with a decrease in smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) mRNA and protein expression. Traction force microscopy on isolated SMCs from these mice revealed reduced force generation compared to wild-type controls; this effect was phenocopied by depletion of SM-MHC in WT SMCs and overcome by ectopic expression of SM-MHC in HGPS SMCs. Arterial SM-MHC levels are also reduced with age in wild-type mice and humans, suggesting a common defect in arterial contractility in HGPS and normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan von Kleeck
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Paola Castagnino
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Emilia Roberts
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shefali Talwar
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Giovanni Ferrari
- Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Richard K Assoian
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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12
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Driving Cardiovascular Disease in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome: Lessons Learned from Animal Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051157. [PMID: 34064612 PMCID: PMC8151355 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disease that recapitulates many symptoms of physiological aging and precipitates death. Patients develop severe vascular alterations, mainly massive vascular smooth muscle cell loss, vessel stiffening, calcification, fibrosis, and generalized atherosclerosis, as well as electrical, structural, and functional anomalies in the heart. As a result, most HGPS patients die of myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke typically during the first or second decade of life. No cure exists for HGPS, and therefore it is of the utmost importance to define the mechanisms that control disease progression in order to develop new treatments to improve the life quality of patients and extend their lifespan. Since the discovery of the HGPS-causing mutation, several animal models have been generated to study multiple aspects of the syndrome and to analyze the contribution of different cell types to the acquisition of the HGPS-associated cardiovascular phenotype. This review discusses current knowledge about cardiovascular features in HGPS patients and animal models and the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which progerin causes cardiovascular disease.
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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Li G, Schwartz MA, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Developmental origins of mechanical homeostasis in the aorta. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:629-639. [PMID: 33341996 PMCID: PMC8089041 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical homeostasis promotes proper aortic structure and function. Pathological conditions may arise, in part, from compromised or lost homeostasis. There is thus a need to quantify the homeostatic state and when it emerges. Here we quantify changes in mechanical loading, geometry, structure, and function of the murine aorta from the late prenatal period into maturity. RESULTS Our data suggest that a homeostatic set-point is established by postnatal day P2 for the flow-induced shear stress experienced by endothelial cells; this value deviates from its set-point from P10 to P21 due to asynchronous changes in mechanical loading (flow, pressure) and geometry (radius, wall thickness), but is restored thereafter consistent with homeostasis. Smooth muscle contractility also decreases during this period of heightened matrix deposition but is also restored in maturity. The pressure-induced mechanical stress experienced by intramural cells initially remains low despite increasing blood pressure, and then increases while extracellular matrix accumulates. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cell-level mechanical homeostasis emerges soon after birth to allow mechanosensitive cells to guide aortic development, with deposition of matrix after P2 increasingly stress shielding intramural cells. The associated tissue-level set-points that emerge for intramural stress can be used to assess and model the aorta that matures biomechanically by P56.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Guangxin Li
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Ghadie NM, St-Pierre JP, Labrosse MR. The Contribution of Glycosaminoglycans/Proteoglycans to Aortic Mechanics in Health and Disease: A Critical Review. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 68:3491-3500. [PMID: 33872141 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3074053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
While elastin and collagen have received a lot of attention as major contributors to aortic biomechanics, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) recently emerged as additional key players whose roles must be better elucidated if one hopes to predict aortic ruptures caused by aneurysms and dissections more reliably. GAGs are highly negatively charged polysaccharide molecules that exist in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the arterial wall. In this critical review, we summarize the current understanding of the contributions of GAGs/PGs to the biomechanics of the normal aortic wall, as well as in the case of aortic diseases such as aneurysms and dissections. Specifically, we describe the fundamental swelling behavior of GAGs/PGs and discuss their contributions to residual stresses and aortic stiffness, thereby highlighting the importance of taking these polyanionic molecules into account in mathematical and numerical models of the aorta. We suggest specific lines of investigation to further the acquisition of experimental data to complement simulations and solidify our current understanding. We underscore different potential roles of GAGs/PGs in thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Namely, we report findings according to which the accumulation of GAGs/PGs in TAAD causes stress concentrations which may be sufficient to initiate and propagate delamination. On the other hand, there seems to be no clear indication of a relationship between the marked reduction in GAG/PG content and the stiffening and weakening of the aortic wall in AAA.
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von Kleeck R, Roberts E, Castagnino P, Bruun K, Brankovic SA, Hawthorne EA, Xu T, Tobias JW, Assoian RK. Arterial stiffness and cardiac dysfunction in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome corrected by inhibition of lysyl oxidase. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/5/e202000997. [PMID: 33687998 PMCID: PMC8008950 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The findings show that increased lysyl oxidase abundance is causal for the elevated arterial stiffness present in the arteries of Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome mice. Pharmacologic inhibition of lysyl oxidase improves cardiac dysfunction and restores arterial compliance. Arterial stiffening and cardiac dysfunction are hallmarks of premature aging in Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), but the molecular regulators remain unknown. Here, we show that the LaminAG609G mouse model of HGPS recapitulates the premature arterial stiffening and early diastolic dysfunction seen in human HGPS. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is up-regulated in the arteries of these mice, and treatment with the LOX inhibitor, β-aminopropionitrile, improves arterial mechanics and cardiac function. Genome-wide and mechanistic analysis revealed reduced expression of the LOX-regulator, miR-145, in HGPS arteries, and forced expression of miR-145 restores normal LOX gene expression in HGPS smooth muscle cells. LOX abundance is also increased in the carotid arteries of aged wild-type mice, but its spatial expression differs from HGPS and its up-regulation is independent of changes in miR-145 abundance. Our results show that miR-145 is selectively misregulated in HGPS and that the consequent up-regulation of LOX is causal for premature arterial stiffening and cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan von Kleeck
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emilia Roberts
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paola Castagnino
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Bruun
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sonja A Brankovic
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Hawthorne
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tina Xu
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John W Tobias
- Penn Genomic Analysis Core and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard K Assoian
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA .,Center for Engineering MechanoBiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Weiss D, Humphrey JD. Differential biomechanical responses of elastic and muscular arteries to angiotensin II-induced hypertension. J Biomech 2021; 119:110297. [PMID: 33647550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Elastic and muscular arteries are distinguished by their distinct microstructures, biomechanical properties, and smooth muscle cell contractile functions. They also exhibit differential remodeling in aging and hypertension. Although regional differences in biomechanical properties have been compared, few studies have quantified biaxial differences in response to hypertension. Here, we contrast passive and active changes in large elastic and medium- and small-sized muscular arteries in adult mice in response to chronic infusion of angiotensin over 14 days. We found a significant increase in wall thickness, both medial and adventitial, in the descending thoracic aorta that associated with trends of an increased collagen:elastin ratio. There was adventitial thickening in the small-sized mesenteric artery, but also significant changes in elastic lamellar structure and contractility. An increased contractile response to phenylephrine coupled with a reduced vasodilatory response to acetylcholine in the mesenteric artery suggested an increased contractile state in response to hypertension. Overall reductions in the calculated gradients in pulse wave velocity and elastin energy storage capability from elastic-to-muscular arteries suggested a possible transfer of excessive pulsatile energy into the small-sized muscular arteries resulting in significant functional consequences in response to hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-I Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Y Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - D Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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17
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Murtada SI, Kawamura Y, Caulk AW, Ahmadzadeh H, Mikush N, Zimmerman K, Kavanagh D, Weiss D, Latorre M, Zhuang ZW, Shadel GS, Braddock DT, Humphrey JD. Paradoxical aortic stiffening and subsequent cardiac dysfunction in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200066. [PMID: 32453981 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare disorder with devastating sequelae resulting in early death, presently thought to stem primarily from cardiovascular events. We analyse novel longitudinal cardiovascular data from a mouse model of HGPS (LmnaG609G/G609G) using allometric scaling, biomechanical phenotyping, and advanced computational modelling and show that late-stage diastolic dysfunction, with preserved systolic function, emerges with an increase in the pulse wave velocity and an associated loss of aortic function, independent of sex. Specifically, there is a dramatic late-stage loss of smooth muscle function and cells and an excessive accumulation of proteoglycans along the aorta, which result in a loss of biomechanical function (contractility and elastic energy storage) and a marked structural stiffening despite a distinctly low intrinsic material stiffness that is consistent with the lack of functional lamin A. Importantly, the vascular function appears to arise normally from the low-stress environment of development, only to succumb progressively to pressure-related effects of the lamin A mutation and become extreme in the peri-morbid period. Because the dramatic life-threatening aortic phenotype manifests during the last third of life there may be a therapeutic window in maturity that could alleviate concerns with therapies administered during early periods of arterial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-I Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Y Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - A W Caulk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - H Ahmadzadeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - N Mikush
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - K Zimmerman
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - D Kavanagh
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - D Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Latorre
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Z W Zhuang
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - G S Shadel
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D T Braddock
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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