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Iwanski JB, Pappas CT, Mayfield RM, Farman GP, Ahrens-Nicklas R, Churko JM, Gregorio CC. Leiomodin 2 neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy mutation results in altered actin gene signatures and cardiomyocyte dysfunction. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 39285234 PMCID: PMC11405699 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a poorly understood muscular disease of the heart. Several homozygous biallelic variants in LMOD2, the gene encoding the actin-binding protein Leiomodin 2, have been identified to result in severe DCM. Collectively, LMOD2-related cardiomyopathies present with cardiac dilation and decreased heart contractility, often resulting in neonatal death. Thus, it is evident that Lmod2 is essential to normal human cardiac muscle function. This study aimed to understand the underlying pathophysiology and signaling pathways related to the first reported LMOD2 variant (c.1193 G > A, p.Trp398*). Using patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and a mouse model harboring the homologous mutation to the patient, we discovered dysregulated actin-thin filament lengths, altered contractility and calcium handling properties, as well as alterations in the serum response factor (SRF)-dependent signaling pathway. These findings reveal that LMOD2 may be regulating SRF activity in an actin-dependent manner and provide a potential new strategy for the development of biologically active molecules to target LMOD2-related cardiomyopathies.
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Grants
- R01HL123078 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- R00 HL128906 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01 HL164644 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01 GM120137 NIGMS NIH HHS
- F30HL151139 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- T32HL007249 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- T32 HL007249 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01 HL123078 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01HL164644 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- F30 HL151139 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01GM120137 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika B Iwanski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Christopher T Pappas
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Rachel M Mayfield
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Gerrie P Farman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas
- Department of Pediatrics and Division of Human Genetics and Metabolism, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jared M Churko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Carol C Gregorio
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Sarver Molecular Cardiovascular Research Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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2
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Chen X, Obukhov AG, Weisman GA, Seye CI. Basal ATP release signals through the P2Y 2 receptor to maintain the differentiated phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Atherosclerosis 2024; 395:117613. [PMID: 38889566 PMCID: PMC11254552 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation contributes substantively to vascular disease. VSMCs spontaneously release low levels of ATP that modulate vessel contractility, but it is unclear if autocrine ATP signaling in VSMCs is critical to the maintenance of the VSMC contractile phenotype. METHODS We used pharmacological inhibitors to block ATP release in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) for studying changes in VSMC differentiation marker gene expression. We employed RNA interference and generated mice with SMC-specific inducible deletion of the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) gene to evaluate resulting phenotypic alterations. RESULTS HASMCs constitutively release low levels of ATP that when blocked results in a significant decrease in VSMC differentiation marker gene expression, including smooth muscle actin (SMA), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), SM-22α and calponin. Basal release of ATP represses transcriptional activation of the Krüppel-Like Factor 4 (KFL4) thereby preventing platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) from inhibiting expression of SMC contractile phenotype markers. SMC-restricted conditional deletion of P2Y2R evoked dedifferentiation characterized by decreases in aortic contractility and contractile phenotype markers expression. This loss was accompanied by a transition to the synthetic phenotype with the acquisition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins characteristic of dedifferentiation, such as osteopontin and vimentin. CONCLUSIONS Our data establish the first direct evidence that an autocrine ATP release mechanism maintains SMC cytoskeletal protein expression by inhibiting VSMCs from transitioning to a synthetic phenotype, and further demonstrate that activation of the P2Y2R by basally released ATP is required for maintenance of the differentiated VSMC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjuan Chen
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China; Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive MS 360A, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Alexander G Obukhov
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive MS 360A, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Gary A Weisman
- Department of Biochemistry, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 Rollins Road, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Cheikh I Seye
- Department of Biochemistry, Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 Rollins Road, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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3
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Chen SJ, Chien HC, Tsai SH, Jheng YS, Chen Y, Hsieh PS, Tsui PF, Chien S, Tsai MC. Melatonin Ameliorates Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability by Regulating PPARδ-Associated Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12988. [PMID: 38982751 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque rupture, the leading cause of fatal atherothrombotic events, is associated with an increased risk of mortality worldwide. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) has been shown to modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching, and, hence, atherosclerotic plaque stability. Melatonin reportedly plays a beneficial role in cardiovascular diseases; however, the mechanisms underlying improvements in atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability remain unknown. In this study, we assessed the role of melatonin in regulating SMC phenotypic switching and its consequential contribution to the amelioration of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and explored the mechanisms underlying this process. We analyzed features of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and markers of SMC phenotypic transition in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice and human aortic SMCs (HASMCs). Melatonin reduced atherosclerotic plaque size and necrotic core area while enhancing collagen content, fibrous cap thickness, and smooth muscle alpha-actin positive cell coverage on the plaque cap, which are all known phenotypic characteristics of vulnerable plaques. In atherosclerotic lesions, melatonin significantly decreased the synthetic SMC phenotype and KLF4 expression and increased the expression of PPARδ, but not PPARα and PPARγ, in HCD-fed ApoE-/- mice. These results were subsequently confirmed in the melatonin-treated HASMCs. Further analysis using PPARδ silencing and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that PPARδ plays a role in the melatonin-induced SMC phenotype switching from synthetic to contractile. Collectively, we provided the first evidence that melatonin mediates its protective effect against plaque destabilization by enhancing PPARδ-mediated SMC phenotypic switching, thereby indicating the potential of melatonin in treating atherosclerosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Melatonin/pharmacology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Mice
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4/metabolism
- Humans
- PPAR delta/metabolism
- PPAR delta/genetics
- Mice, Knockout
- Male
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Phenotype
- Apolipoproteins E/genetics
- Apolipoproteins E/metabolism
- Apolipoproteins E/deficiency
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Affiliation(s)
- Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Che Chien
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hung Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sin Jheng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shiuan Hsieh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Fen Tsui
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shu Chien
- Department of Bioengineering and Medicine, Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Min-Chien Tsai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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4
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Mangum KD, Li Q, Bauer TM, Wolf SJ, Shadiow J, Moon JY, Barrett EC, Joshi AD, Ahmed Z, Wasikowski R, Boyer K, Obi AT, Davis FM, Chang L, Tsoi LC, Gudjonsson J, Gallagher KA. Epigenetic Alteration of Smooth Muscle Cells Regulates Endothelin-Dependent Blood Pressure and Hypertensive Arterial Remodeling. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.09.24310178. [PMID: 39040193 PMCID: PMC11261912 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.24310178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Long-standing hypertension (HTN) affects multiple organ systems and leads to pathologic arterial remodeling, which is driven largely by smooth muscle cell (SMC) plasticity. Although genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous variants associated with changes in blood pressure in humans, only a small percentage of these variants actually cause HTN. In order to identify relevant genes important in SMC function in HTN, we screened three separate human GWAS and Mendelian randomization studies to identify SNPs located within non-coding gene regions, focusing on genes encoding epigenetic enzymes, as these have been recently identified to control SMC fate in cardiovascular disease. We identified SNPs rs62059712 and rs74480102 in the promoter of the human JMJD3 gene and show that the minor C allele increases JMJD3 transcription in SMCs via increased SP1 binding to the JMJD3 promoter. Using our novel SMC-specific Jmjd3-deficient murine model ( Jmjd3 flox/flox Myh11 CreERT ), we show that loss of Jmjd3 in SMCs results in HTN, mechanistically, due to decreased EDNRB expression and a compensatory increase in EDNRA expression. As a translational corollary, through single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human arteries, we found strong correlation between JMJD3 and EDNRB expression in SMCs. Further, we identified that JMJD3 is required for SMC-specific gene expression, and loss of JMJD3 in SMCs in the setting of HTN results in increased arterial remodeling by promoting the SMC synthetic phenotype. Our findings link a HTN-associated human DNA variant with regulation of SMC plasticity, revealing therapeutic targets that may be used in the screening and/or personalized treatment of HTN.
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5
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Bankell E, Liu L, van der Horst J, Rippe C, Jepps TA, Nilsson BO, Swärd K. Suppression of smooth muscle cell inflammation by myocardin-related transcription factors involves inactivation of TANK-binding kinase 1. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13321. [PMID: 38858497 PMCID: PMC11164896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63901-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs: myocardin/MYOCD, MRTF-A/MRTFA, and MRTF-B/MRTFB) suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through sequestration of RelA in the NF-κB complex, but additional mechanisms are likely involved. The cGAS-STING pathway is activated by double-stranded DNA in the cytosolic compartment and acts through TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) to spark inflammation. The present study tested if MRTFs suppress inflammation also by targeting cGAS-STING signaling. Interrogation of a transcriptomic dataset where myocardin was overexpressed using a panel of 56 cGAS-STING cytokines showed the panel to be repressed. Moreover, MYOCD, MRTFA, and SRF associated negatively with the panel in human arteries. RT-qPCR in human bronchial SMCs showed that all MRTFs reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines on the panel. MRTFs diminished phosphorylation of TBK1, while STING phosphorylation was marginally affected. The TBK1 inhibitor amlexanox, but not the STING inhibitor H-151, reduced the anti-inflammatory effect of MRTF-A. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays supported binding between MRTF-A and TBK1 in SMCs. MRTFs thus appear to suppress cellular inflammation in part by acting on the kinase TBK1. This may defend SMCs against pro-inflammatory insults in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Bankell
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Li Liu
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Urology, Qingyuan Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jennifer van der Horst
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas A Jepps
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Bengt-Olof Nilsson
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
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6
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Luo Y, Cao K, Chiu J, Chen H, Wang HJ, Thornton ME, Grubbs BH, Kolb M, Parmacek MS, Mishina Y, Shi W. Defective mesenchymal Bmpr1a-mediated BMP signaling causes congenital pulmonary cysts. eLife 2024; 12:RP91876. [PMID: 38856718 PMCID: PMC11164533 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal lung development can cause congenital pulmonary cysts, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Although the cystic lesions are believed to result directly from disrupted airway epithelial cell growth, the extent to which developmental defects in lung mesenchymal cells contribute to abnormal airway epithelial cell growth and subsequent cystic lesions has not been thoroughly examined. In the present study using genetic mouse models, we dissected the roles of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor 1a (Bmpr1a)-mediated BMP signaling in lung mesenchyme during prenatal lung development and discovered that abrogation of mesenchymal Bmpr1a disrupted normal lung branching morphogenesis, leading to the formation of prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. Severe deficiency of airway smooth muscle cells and subepithelial elastin fibers were found in the cystic airways of the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs. In addition, ectopic mesenchymal expression of BMP ligands and airway epithelial perturbation of the Sox2-Sox9 proximal-distal axis were detected in the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs. However, deletion of Smad1/5, two major BMP signaling downstream effectors, from the lung mesenchyme did not phenocopy the cystic abnormalities observed in the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs, suggesting that a Smad-independent mechanism contributes to prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. These findings reveal for the first time the role of mesenchymal BMP signaling in lung development and a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying congenital pulmonary cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Luo
- Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Ke Cao
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Joanne Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Hui Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Matthew E Thornton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Brendan H Grubbs
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Martin Kolb
- Department of Medicine, McMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Michael S Parmacek
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Material Sciences, University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Wei Shi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
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7
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Schofield MM, Rzepski AT, Richardson-Solorzano S, Hammerstedt J, Shah S, Mirack CE, Herrick M, Parreno J. Targeting F-actin stress fibers to suppress the dedifferentiated phenotype in chondrocytes. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151424. [PMID: 38823166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin is a central mediator of the chondrocyte phenotype. Monolayer expansion of articular chondrocytes on tissue culture polystyrene, for cell-based repair therapies, leads to chondrocyte dedifferentiation. During dedifferentiation, chondrocytes spread and filamentous (F-)actin reorganizes from a cortical to a stress fiber arrangement causing a reduction in cartilage matrix expression and an increase in fibroblastic matrix and contractile molecule expression. While the downstream mechanisms regulating chondrocyte molecular expression by alterations in F-actin organization have become elucidated, the critical upstream regulators of F-actin networks in chondrocytes are not completely known. Tropomyosin (TPM) and the RhoGTPases are known regulators of F-actin networks. The main purpose of this study is to elucidate the regulation of passaged chondrocyte F-actin stress fiber networks and cell phenotype by the specific TPM, TPM3.1, and the RhoGTPase, CDC42. Our results demonstrated that TPM3.1 associates with cortical F-actin and stress fiber F-actin in primary and passaged chondrocytes, respectively. In passaged cells, we found that pharmacological TPM3.1 inhibition or siRNA knockdown causes F-actin reorganization from stress fibers back to cortical F-actin and causes an increase in G/F-actin. CDC42 inhibition also causes formation of cortical F-actin. However, pharmacological CDC42 inhibition, but not TPM3.1 inhibition, leads to the re-association of TPM3.1 with cortical F-actin. Both TPM3.1 and CDC42 inhibition, as well as TPM3.1 knockdown, reduces nuclear localization of myocardin related transcription factor, which suppresses dedifferentiated molecule expression. We confirmed that TPM3.1 or CDC42 inhibition partially redifferentiates passaged cells by reducing fibroblast matrix and contractile expression, and increasing chondrogenic SOX9 expression. A further understanding on the regulation of F-actin in passaged cells may lead into new insights to stimulate cartilage matrix expression in cells for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sohan Shah
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Chloe E Mirack
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Marin Herrick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, USA
| | - Justin Parreno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, USA.
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8
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Luo Y, Cao K, Chiu J, Chen H, Wang HJ, Thornton ME, Grubbs BH, Kolb M, Parmacek MS, Mishina Y, Shi W. Defective mesenchymal Bmpr1a-mediated BMP signaling causes congenital pulmonary cysts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.26.559527. [PMID: 37808788 PMCID: PMC10557633 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal lung development can cause congenital pulmonary cysts, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Although the cystic lesions are believed to result directly from disrupted airway epithelial cell growth, the extent to which developmental defects in lung mesenchymal cells contribute to abnormal airway epithelial cell growth and subsequent cystic lesions has not been thoroughly examined. In the present study, we dissected the roles of BMP receptor 1a (Bmpr1a)-mediated BMP signaling in lung mesenchyme during prenatal lung development and discovered that abrogation of mesenchymal Bmpr1a disrupted normal lung branching morphogenesis, leading to the formation of prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. Severe deficiency of airway smooth muscle cells and subepithelial elastin fibers were found in the cystic airways of the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs. In addition, ectopic mesenchymal expression of BMP ligands and airway epithelial perturbation of the Sox2-Sox9 proximal-distal axis were detected in the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs. However, deletion of Smad1/5, two major BMP signaling downstream effectors, from the lung mesenchyme did not phenocopy the cystic abnormalities observed in the mesenchymal Bmpr1a knockout lungs, suggesting that a Smad-independent mechanism contributes to prenatal pulmonary cystic lesions. These findings reveal for the first time the role of mesenchymal BMP signaling in lung development and a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying congenital pulmonary cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Luo
- Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027
| | - Ke Cao
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Joanne Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027
| | - Hui Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Matthew E. Thornton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Brendan H. Grubbs
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Martin Kolb
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 4A6
| | - Michael S. Parmacek
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Material Sciences, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Wei Shi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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9
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Guo H, Hang C, Lin B, Lin Z, Xiong H, Zhang M, Lu R, Liu J, Shi D, Xie D, Liu Y, Liang D, Yang J, Chen YH. HAND factors regulate cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:31. [PMID: 38317221 PMCID: PMC10845658 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factors HAND1 and HAND2 (HAND1/2) play significant roles in cardiac organogenesis. Abnormal expression and deficiency of HAND1/2 result in severe cardiac defects. However, the function and mechanism of HAND1/2 in regulating human early cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation are still unclear. METHODS With NKX2.5eGFP H9 human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we established single and double knockout cell lines for HAND1 and HAND2, respectively, whose cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency could be monitored by assessing NKX2.5-eGFP+ cells with flow cytometry. The expression of specific markers for heart fields and cardiomyocyte subtypes was examined by quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Microelectrode array and whole-cell patch clamp were performed to determine the electrophysiological characteristics of differentiated cardiomyocytes. The transcriptomic changes of HAND knockout cells were revealed by RNA sequencing. The HAND1/2 target genes were identified and validated experimentally by integrating with HAND1/2 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data. RESULTS Either HAND1 or HAND2 knockout did not affect the cardiomyocyte differentiation kinetics, whereas depletion of HAND1/2 resulted in delayed differentiation onset. HAND1 knockout biased cardiac mesoderm toward second heart field progenitors at the expense of first heart field progenitors, leading to increased expression of atrial and outflow tract cardiomyocyte markers, which was further confirmed by the appearance of atrial-like action potentials. By contrast, HAND2 knockout cardiomyocytes had reduced expression of atrial cardiomyocyte markers and displayed ventricular-like action potentials. HAND1/2-deficient hESCs were more inclined to second heart field lineage and its derived cardiomyocytes with atrial-like action potentials than HAND1 single knockout during differentiation. Further mechanistic investigations suggested TBX5 as one of the downstream targets of HAND1/2, whose overexpression partially restored the abnormal cardiomyocyte differentiation in HAND1/2-deficient hESCs. CONCLUSIONS HAND1/2 have specific and redundant roles in cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation. These findings not only reveal the essential function of HAND1/2 in cardiac organogenesis, but also provide important information on the pathogenesis of HAND1/2 deficiency-related congenital heart diseases, which could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Chengwen Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bowen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zheyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Mingshuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Renhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Duanyang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Research Units of Origin and Regulation of Heart Rhythm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Department of Cell Biology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Research Units of Origin and Regulation of Heart Rhythm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yi-Han Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Shanghai Arrhythmia Research Center, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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10
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Sumey JL, Harrell AM, Johnston PC, Caliari SR. Serial Passaging Affects Stromal Cell Mechanosensitivity on Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300110. [PMID: 37747449 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300110] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a tremendous interest in developing hydrogels as tunable in vitro cell culture platforms to study cell response to mechanical cues in a controlled manner. However, little is known about how common cell culture techniques, such as serial expansion on tissue culture plastic, affect subsequent cell behavior when cultured on hydrogels. In this work, a methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform is leveraged to study stromal cell mechanotransduction. Hydrogels are first formed through thiol-Michael addition to model normal soft tissue (e.g., lung) stiffness (E ≈ 1 kPa). Secondary cross-linking via radical photopolymerization of unconsumed methacrylates allows matching of early- (E ≈ 6 kPa) and late-stage fibrotic tissue (E ≈ 50 kPa). Early passage (P1) human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) display increased spreading, myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) nuclear localization, and focal adhesion size with increasing hydrogel stiffness. However, late passage (P5) hMSCs show reduced sensitivity to substrate mechanics with lower MRTF-A nuclear translocation and smaller focal adhesions on stiffer hydrogels compared to early passage hMSCs. Similar trends are observed in an immortalized human lung fibroblast line. Overall, this work highlights the implications of standard cell culture practices on investigating cell response to mechanical signals using in vitro hydrogel models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Abigail M Harrell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Peyton C Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
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11
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Schofield MM, Rzepski A, Hammerstedt J, Shah S, Mirack C, Parreno J. Targeting F-actin stress fibers to suppress the dedifferentiated phenotype in chondrocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.08.570865. [PMID: 38106134 PMCID: PMC10723437 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.08.570865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Actin is a central mediator of the chondrocyte phenotype. Monolayer expansion of articular chondrocytes on tissue culture polystyrene, for cell-based repair therapies, leads to chondrocyte dedifferentiation. During dedifferentiation, chondrocytes spread and filamentous (F-)actin reorganizes from a cortical to a stress fiber arrangement causing a reduction in cartilage matrix expression and an increase in fibroblastic matrix and contractile molecule expression. While the downstream mechanisms regulating chondrocyte molecular expression by alterations in F-actin organization have become elucidated, the critical upstream regulators of F-actin networks in chondrocytes are not completely known. Tropomyosin (TPM) and the RhoGTPases are known regulators of F-actin networks. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the regulation of passaged chondrocyte F-actin stress fiber networks and cell phenotype by the specific TPM, TPM3.1, and the RhoGTPase, CDC42. Our results demonstrated that TPM3.1 associates with cortical F-actin and stress fiber F-actin in primary and passaged chondrocytes, respectively. In passaged cells, we found that TPM3.1 inhibition causes F-actin reorganization from stress fibers back to cortical F-actin and also causes an increase in G/F-actin. CDC42 inhibition also causes formation of cortical F-actin. However, CDC42 inhibition, but not TPM3.1 inhibition, leads to the re-association of TPM3.1 with cortical F-actin. Both TPM3.1 and CDC42 inhibition reduces nuclear localization of myocardin related transcription factor, which is known to suppress dedifferentiated molecule expression. We confirmed that TPM3.1 or CDC42 inhibition partially redifferentiates passaged cells by reducing fibroblast matrix and contractile expression, and increasing chondrogenic SOX9 expression. A further understanding on the regulation of F-actin in passaged cells may lead into new insights to stimulate cartilage matrix expression in cells for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alissa Rzepski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
| | | | - Sohan Shah
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
| | - Chloe Mirack
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
| | - Justin Parreno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
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12
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Dang I, Brazzo JA, Bae Y, Assoian RK. Key role for Rac in the early transcriptional response to extracellular matrix stiffness and stiffness-dependent repression of ATF3. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260636. [PMID: 37737020 PMCID: PMC10617619 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases Rac and Rho play critical roles in transmitting mechanical information contained within the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cell. Rac and Rho have well-described roles in regulating stiffness-dependent actin remodeling, proliferation and motility. However, much less is known about the relative roles of these GTPases in stiffness-dependent transcription, particularly at the genome-wide level. Here, we selectively inhibited Rac and Rho in mouse embryonic fibroblasts cultured on deformable substrata and used RNA sequencing to elucidate and compare the contribution of these GTPases to the early transcriptional response to ECM stiffness. Surprisingly, we found that the stiffness-dependent activation of Rac was dominant over Rho in the initial transcriptional response to ECM stiffness. We also identified activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) as a major target of stiffness- and Rac-mediated signaling and show that ATF3 repression by ECM stiffness helps to explain how the stiffness-dependent activation of Rac results in the induction of cyclin D1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irène Dang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joseph A. Brazzo
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Yongho Bae
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Richard K. Assoian
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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13
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Jafari A, Behjat E, Malektaj H, Mobini F. Alignment behavior of nerve, vascular, muscle, and intestine cells in two- and three-dimensional strategies. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1620. [PMID: 37392045 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
By harnessing structural hierarchical insights, plausibly simulate better ones imagination to figure out the best choice of methods for reaching out the unprecedented developments of the tissue engineering products as a next level. Constructing a functional tissue that incorporates two-dimensional (2D) or higher dimensions requires overcoming technological or biological limitations in order to orchestrate the structural compilation of one-dimensional and 2D sheets (microstructures) simultaneously (in situ). This approach enables the creation of a layered structure that can be referred to as an ensemble of layers or, after several days of maturation, a direct or indirect joining of layers. Here, we have avoided providing a detailed methodological description of three-dimensional and 2D strategies, except for a few interesting examples that highlight the higher alignment of cells and emphasize rarely remembered facts associated with vascular, peripheral nerve, muscle, and intestine tissues. The effective directionality of cells in conjunction with geometric cues (in the range of micrometers) is well known to affect a variety of cell behaviors. The curvature of a cell's environment is one of the factors that influence the formation of patterns within tissues. The text will cover cell types containing some level of stemness, which will be followed by their consequences for tissue formation. Other important considerations pertain to cytoskeleton traction forces, cell organelle positioning, and cell migration. An overview of cell alignment along with several pivotal molecular and cellular level concepts, such as mechanotransduction, chirality, and curvature of structure effects on cell alignments will be presented. The mechanotransduction term will be used here in the context of the sensing capability that cells show as a result of force-induced changes either at the conformational or the organizational levels, a capability that allows us to modify cell fate by triggering downstream signaling pathways. A discussion of the cells' cytoskeleton and of the stress fibers involvement in altering the cell's circumferential constitution behavior (alignment) based on exposed scaffold radius will be provided. Curvatures with size similarities in the range of cell sizes cause the cell's behavior to act as if it was in an in vivo tissue environment. The revision of the literature, patents, and clinical trials performed for the present study shows that there is a clear need for translational research through the implementation of clinical trial platforms that address the tissue engineering possibilities raised in the current revision. This article is categorized under: Infectious Diseases > Biomedical Engineering Neurological Diseases > Biomedical Engineering Cardiovascular Diseases > Biomedical Engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Jafari
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erfan Behjat
- Department of Biomaterials, School of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniyeh Malektaj
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Faezeh Mobini
- Molecular Simulation Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Yu X, Wu M, Meng Q, Zhu W, Zhang C, Liu B, Qi Y, Gu S, Wang X, Wen J, Li Y, Qi X. Ligustrazine alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats by promoting the formation of myocardin transcription complex in the nucleus of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:1369-1380. [PMID: 37186419 PMCID: PMC10432881 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathophysiological state of abnormally elevated pulmonary arterial pressure caused by drugs, inflammation, toxins, viruses, hypoxia, and other risk factors. We studied the therapeutic effect and target of tetramethylpyrazine (tetramethylpyrazine [TMP]; ligustrazine) in the treatment of PAH and we speculated that dramatic changes in myocardin levels can significantly affect the progression of PAH. In vivo, the results showed that administration of TMP significantly prolonged the survival of PAH rats by reducing the proliferative lesions, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), and the Fulton index in the heart and lung of PAH rats. In vitro, TMP can regulate the levels of smooth muscle protein 22-alpha (SM22-α), and myocardin as well as intracellular cytokines such as NO, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a dose-dependent manner (25, 50, or 100 μM). Transfection of myocardin small interfering RNA (siRNA) aggravated the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PSMCs), and the regulatory effect of TMP on α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) disappeared. The application of 10 nM estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) inhibitor MPP promoted the proliferation of PSMCs, but it does not affect the inhibition of TMP on PSMCs proliferation. Finally, we found that TMP promoted the nucleation of myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) and combined it with myocardin. In conclusion, TMP can inhibit the transformation of PSMCs from the contractile phenotype to the proliferative phenotype by promoting the formation of the nuclear (MRTF-A/myocardin) transcription complex to treat PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichao Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Mingjie Wu
- The Third Clinical Medical CollegeNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Qinhai Meng
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Weijie Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Chenyan Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Bowen Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Yuewen Qi
- Craig High SchoolJanesvilleWisconsinUSA
| | - Shuqun Gu
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jingli Wen
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yu Li
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative MedicineNanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Xu Qi
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
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15
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Zhang W, Zhao J, Deng L, Ishimwe N, Pauli J, Wu W, Shan S, Kempf W, Ballantyne MD, Kim D, Lyu Q, Bennett M, Rodor J, Turner AW, Lu YW, Gao P, Choi M, Warthi G, Kim HW, Barroso MM, Bryant WB, Miller CL, Weintraub NL, Maegdefessel L, Miano JM, Baker AH, Long X. INKILN is a Novel Long Noncoding RNA Promoting Vascular Smooth Muscle Inflammation via Scaffolding MKL1 and USP10. Circulation 2023; 148:47-67. [PMID: 37199168 PMCID: PMC10330325 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.063760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) inflammation is vital to initiate vascular disease. The role of human-specific long noncoding RNAs in VSMC inflammation is poorly understood. METHODS Bulk RNA sequencing in differentiated human VSMCs revealed a novel human-specific long noncoding RNA called inflammatory MKL1 (megakaryoblastic leukemia 1) interacting long noncoding RNA (INKILN). INKILN expression was assessed in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of VSMC phenotypic modulation as well as human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The transcriptional regulation of INKILN was verified through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies and multiple RNA-protein and protein-protein interaction assays were used to uncover a mechanistic role of INKILN in the VSMC proinflammatory gene program. Bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice were used to study INKILN expression and function in ligation injury-induced neointimal formation. RESULTS INKILN expression is downregulated in contractile VSMCs and induced in human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. INKILN is transcriptionally activated by the p65 pathway, partially through a predicted NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) site within its proximal promoter. INKILN activates proinflammatory gene expression in cultured human VSMCs and ex vivo cultured vessels. INKILN physically interacts with and stabilizes MKL1, a key activator of VSMC inflammation through the p65/NF-κB pathway. INKILN depletion blocks interleukin-1β-induced nuclear localization of both p65 and MKL1. Knockdown of INKILN abolishes the physical interaction between p65 and MKL1 and the luciferase activity of an NF-κB reporter. Furthermore, INKILN knockdown enhances MKL1 ubiquitination through reduced physical interaction with the deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 (ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10). INKILN is induced in injured carotid arteries and exacerbates ligation injury-induced neointimal formation in bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings elucidate an important pathway of VSMC inflammation involving an INKILN/MKL1/USP10 regulatory axis. Human bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice offer a novel and physiologically relevant approach for investigating human-specific long noncoding RNAs under vascular disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jinjing Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lin Deng
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Nestor Ishimwe
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Pauli
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Shengshuai Shan
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wolfgang Kempf
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | | | - David Kim
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Qing Lyu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew Bennett
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Julie Rodor
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Adam W. Turner
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ping Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mihyun Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Ganesh Warthi
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ha Won Kim
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Margarida M Barroso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - William B. Bryant
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Clint L. Miller
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Neal L. Weintraub
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK, partner site Munich), Germany
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph M. Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew H Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Xiaochun Long
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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16
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Sumey JL, Johnston PC, Harrell AM, Caliari SR. Hydrogel mechanics regulate fibroblast DNA methylation and chromatin condensation. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2886-2897. [PMID: 36880435 PMCID: PMC10329270 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02058k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction plays a central role in fibroblast activation during fibrotic disease progression, leading to increased tissue stiffness and reduced organ function. While the role of epigenetics in disease mechanotransduction has begun to be appreciated, little is known about how substrate mechanics, particularly the timing of mechanical inputs, regulate epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and chromatin reorganization during fibroblast activation. In this work, we engineered a hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform with independently tunable stiffness and viscoelasticity to model normal (storage modulus, G' ∼ 0.5 kPa, loss modulus, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) to increasingly fibrotic (G' ∼ 2.5 and 8 kPa, G'' ∼ 0.05 kPa) lung mechanics. Human lung fibroblasts exhibited increased spreading and nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) with increasing substrate stiffness within 1 day, with these trends holding steady for longer cultures. However, fibroblasts displayed time-dependent changes in global DNA methylation and chromatin organization. Fibroblasts initially displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation on stiffer hydrogels, but both of these measures decreased with longer culture times. To investigate how culture time affected the responsiveness of fibroblast nuclear remodeling to mechanical signals, we engineered hydrogels amenable to in situ secondary crosslinking, enabling a transition from a compliant substrate mimicking normal tissue to a stiffer substrate resembling fibrotic tissue. When stiffening was initiated after only 1 day of culture, fibroblasts rapidly responded and displayed increased DNA methylation and chromatin decondensation, similar to fibroblasts on static stiffer hydrogels. Conversely, when fibroblasts experienced later stiffening at day 7, they showed no changes in DNA methylation and chromatin condensation, suggesting the induction of a persistent fibroblast phenotype. These results highlight the time-dependent nuclear changes associated with fibroblast activation in response to dynamic mechanical perturbations and may provide mechanisms to target for controlling fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
| | | | | | - Steven R Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, USA
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17
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Sumey JL, Harrell AM, Johnston PC, Caliari SR. Serial passaging affects stromal cell mechanosensitivity on hyaluronic acid hydrogels. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532853. [PMID: 36993247 PMCID: PMC10055097 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is tremendous interest in developing hydrogels as tunable in vitro cell culture platforms to study cell response to mechanical cues in a controlled manner. However, little is known about how common cell culture techniques, such as serial expansion on tissue culture plastic, affect subsequent cell behavior when cultured on hydrogels. In this work we leverage a methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform to study stromal cell mechanotransduction. Hydrogels are first formed through thiol-Michael addition to model normal soft tissue (e.g., lung) stiffness ( E ~ 1 kPa). Secondary crosslinking via radical photopolymerization of unconsumed methacrylates allows matching of early- ( E ~ 6 kPa) and late-stage fibrotic tissue ( E ~ 50 kPa). Early passage (P1) primary human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) display increased spreading, myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) nuclear localization, and focal adhesion size with increasing hydrogel stiffness. However, late passage (P5) hMSCs show reduced sensitivity to substrate mechanics with lower MRTF-A nuclear translocation and smaller focal adhesions on stiffer hydrogels compared to early passage hMSCs. Similar trends are observed in an immortalized human lung fibroblast line. Overall, this work highlights the implications of standard cell culture practices on investigating cell response to mechanical signals using in vitro hydrogel models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L. Sumey
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Abigail M. Harrell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Peyton C. Johnston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Steven R. Caliari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
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18
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Du LJ, Sun JY, Zhang WC, Liu Y, Liu Y, Lin WZ, Liu T, Zhu H, Wang YL, Shao S, Zhou LJ, Chen BY, Lu H, Li RG, Jia F, Duan SZ. NCOR1 maintains the homeostasis of vascular smooth muscle cells and protects against aortic aneurysm. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:618-631. [PMID: 36151473 PMCID: PMC9984378 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm (AA). The function of nuclear receptor corepressor1 (NCOR1) in regulation of VSMC phenotype and AA is unclear. Herein, using smooth muscle NCOR1 knockout mice, we demonstrated that smooth muscle NCOR1 deficiency decreased both mRNA and protein levels of contractile genes, impaired stress fibers formation and RhoA pathway activation, reduced synthesis of elastin and collagens, and induced the expression and activity of MMPs, manifesting a switch from contractile to degradative phenotype of VSMCs. NCOR1 modulated VSMC phenotype through 3 different mechanisms. First, NCOR1 deficiency increased acetylated FOXO3a to inhibit the expression of Myocd, which downregulated contractile genes. Second, deletion of NCOR1 derepressed NFAT5 to induce the expression of Rgs1, thus impeding RhoA activation. Third, NCOR1 deficiency increased the expression of Mmp12 and Mmp13 by derepressing ATF3. Finally, a mouse model combined apoE knockout mice with angiotensin II was used to study the role of smooth muscle NCOR1 in the development of AA. The results showed that smooth muscle NCOR1 deficiency increased the incidence of aortic aneurysms and exacerbated medial degeneration in angiotensin II-induced AA mouse model. Collectively, our data illustrated that NCOR1 interacts with FOXO3a, NFAT5, and ATF3 to maintain contractile phenotype of VSMCs and suppress AA development. Manipulation of smooth muscle NCOR1 may be a potential approach for AA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Juan Du
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jian-Yong Sun
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wu-Chang Zhang
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wen-Zhen Lin
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yong-Li Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shuai Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lu-Jun Zhou
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bo-Yan Chen
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hongjian Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Ruo-Gu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Feng Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| | - Sheng-Zhong Duan
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China.
- National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Yang Q, Miao Q, Chen H, Li D, Luo Y, Chiu J, Wang HJ, Chuvanjyan M, Parmacek MS, Shi W. Myocd regulates airway smooth muscle cell remodeling in response to chronic asthmatic injury. J Pathol 2023; 259:331-341. [PMID: 36484734 PMCID: PMC10107741 DOI: 10.1002/path.6044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal growth of airway smooth muscle cells is one of the key features in asthmatic airway remodeling, which is associated with asthma severity. The mechanisms underlying inappropriate airway smooth muscle cell growth in asthma remain largely unknown. Myocd has been reported to act as a key transcriptional coactivator in promoting airway-specific smooth muscle development in fetal lungs. Whether Myocd controls airway smooth muscle remodeling in asthma has not been investigated. Mice with lung mesenchyme-specific deletion of Myocd after lung development were generated, and a chronic asthma model was established by sensitizing and challenging the mice with ovalbumin for a prolonged period. Comparison of the asthmatic pathology between the Myocd knockout mice and the wild-type controls revealed that abrogation of Myocd mitigated airway smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, accompanied by reduced peri-airway inflammation, decreased fibrillar collagen deposition on airway walls, and attenuation of abnormal mucin production in airway epithelial cells. Our study indicates that Myocd is a key transcriptional coactivator involved in asthma airway remodeling. Inhibition of Myocd in asthmatic airways may be an effective approach to breaking the vicious cycle of asthmatic progression, providing a novel strategy in treating severe and persistent asthma. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Qing Miao
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Duo Li
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yongfeng Luo
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joanne Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael Chuvanjyan
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Parmacek
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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20
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Zhang W, Zhao J, Deng L, Ishimwe N, Pauli J, Wu W, Shan S, Kempf W, Ballantyne MD, Kim D, Lyu Q, Bennett M, Rodor J, Turner AW, Lu YW, Gao P, Choi M, Warthi G, Kim HW, Barroso MM, Bryant WB, Miller CL, Weintraub NL, Maegdefessel L, Miano JM, Baker AH, Long X. INKILN is a novel long noncoding RNA promoting vascular smooth muscle inflammation via scaffolding MKL1 and USP10. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.07.522948. [PMID: 36711681 PMCID: PMC9881896 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.07.522948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) inflammation is vital to initiate vascular disease. However, the role of human-specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in VSMC inflammation is poorly understood. Methods Bulk RNA-seq in differentiated human VSMCs revealed a novel human-specific lncRNA called IN flammatory M K L1 I nteracting L ong N oncoding RNA ( INKILN ). INKILN expression was assessed in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of VSMC phenotypic modulation and human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) samples. The transcriptional regulation of INKILN was determined through luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Both loss- and gain-of-function approaches and multiple RNA-protein and protein-protein interaction assays were utilized to uncover the role of INKILN in VSMC proinflammatory gene program and underlying mechanisms. Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) transgenic (Tg) mice were utilized to study INKLIN expression and function in ligation injury-induced neointimal formation. Results INKILN expression is downregulated in contractile VSMCs and induced by human atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. INKILN is transcriptionally activated by the p65 pathway, partially through a predicted NF-κB site within its proximal promoter. INKILN activates the proinflammatory gene expression in cultured human VSMCs and ex vivo cultured vessels. Mechanistically, INKILN physically interacts with and stabilizes MKL1, a key activator of VSMC inflammation through the p65/NF-κB pathway. INKILN depletion blocks ILIβ-induced nuclear localization of both p65 and MKL1. Knockdown of INKILN abolishes the physical interaction between p65 and MKL1, and the luciferase activity of an NF-κB reporter. Further, INKILN knockdown enhances MKL1 ubiquitination, likely through the reduced physical interaction with the deubiquitinating enzyme, USP10. INKILN is induced in injured carotid arteries and exacerbates ligation injury-induced neointimal formation in BAC Tg mice. Conclusions These findings elucidate an important pathway of VSMC inflammation involving an INKILN /MKL1/USP10 regulatory axis. Human BAC Tg mice offer a novel and physiologically relevant approach for investigating human-specific lncRNAs under vascular disease conditions.
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21
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Melcher ML, Block I, Kropf K, Singh AK, Posern G. Interplay of the transcription factor MRTF-A and matrix stiffness controls mammary acinar structure and protrusion formation. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:158. [PMID: 36229824 PMCID: PMC9563482 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ongoing differentiation processes characterize the mammary gland during sexual development and reproduction. In contrast, defective remodelling is assumed to be causal for breast tumorigenesis. We have shown recently that the myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) is essential for forming regular hollow acinar structures. Moreover, MRTF-A activity is known to depend on the biochemical and physical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix. In this study we analysed the mutual interaction of different matrix stiffnesses and MRTF-A activities on formation and maintenance of mammary acini. Methods Human MCF10A acini and primary mature organoids isolated from murine mammary glands were cultivated in 3D on soft and stiff matrices (200–4000 Pa) in conjunction with the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway inhibitor CCG-203971 and genetic activation of MRTF-A. Results Three-dimensional growth on stiff collagen matrices (> 3000 Pa) was accompanied by increased MRTF-A activity and formation of invasive protrusions in acini cultures of human mammary MCF10A cells. Differential coating and synthetic hydrogels indicated that protrusion formation was attributable to stiffness but not the biochemical constitution of the matrix. Stiffness-induced protrusion formation was also observed in preformed acini isolated from murine mammary glands. Acinar outgrowth in both the MCF10A acini and the primary organoids was partially reverted by treatment with the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway inhibitor CCG-203971. However, genetic activation of MRTF-A in the mature primary acini also reduced protrusion formation on stiff matrices, whilst it strongly promoted luminal filling matrix-independently. Conclusion Our results suggest an intricate crosstalk between matrix stiffness and MRTF-A, whose activity is required for protrusion formation and sufficient for luminal filling of mammary acini. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00977-2. Formation of mammary acini depends on crosstalk between matrix stiffness and MRTF-A
Increased matrix stiffness elevates MRTF-A activity and protrusion formation Protrusion formation of MCF10A-derived and primary murine acini is MRTF-dependent
Genetic MRTF-A activation in primary organoids is sufficient for luminal filling
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Luise Melcher
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ines Block
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karolin Kropf
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anurag Kumar Singh
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Guido Posern
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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22
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Zhang W, Yang Y, Xiang Z, Cheng J, Yu Z, Wang W, Hu L, Ma F, Deng Y, Jin Z, Hu X. MRTF-A-mediated protection against amyloid-β-induced neuronal injury correlates with restoring autophagy via miR-1273g-3p/mTOR axis in Alzheimer models. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4305-4325. [PMID: 35604830 PMCID: PMC9186769 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Myocardia-Related Transcription Factors-A (MRTF-A), which is enriched in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, has been shown to have a protective function against ischemia hypoxia-induced neuronal apoptosis. However, the function of MRTF-A on β-amyloid peptide (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity and autophagy dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease is still unclear. This study shows that the expression of MRTF-A in the hippocampus of Tg2576 transgenic mice is reduced, and the overexpression of MRTF-A mediated by lentiviral vectors carrying MRTF-A significantly reduces the accumulation of hippocampal β-amyloid peptide and reduces cognition defect. Overexpression of MRTF-A inhibits neuronal apoptosis, increases the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (MAP1LC3/LC3-II) and Beclin1, reduces the accumulation of SQSTM1/p62 protein, and promotes autophagosomes-Lysosomal fusion in vivo and in vitro. Microarray analysis and bioinformatics analysis show that MRTF-A reverses Aβ-induced autophagy impairment by up-regulating miR-1273g-3p level leading to negative regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is confirmed in Aβ1-42-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Further, overexpression of MRTF-A reduces Aβ1-42-induced neuronal apoptosis. And the effect was abolished by miR-1273g-3p inhibitor or MHY1485 (mTOR agonist), indicating that the protection of MRTF-A on neuronal damage is through targeting miR-1273g-3p/mTOR axis. Targeting this signaling may be a promising approach to protect against Aβ-induced neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Affiliated Wuhan Resources and Wisco General Hospital, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuewang Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zifei Xiang
- College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinping Cheng
- Affiliated Wuhan Resources and Wisco General Hospital, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Affiliated Wuhan Resources and Wisco General Hospital, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Hu
- College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuyun Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Youping Deng
- Bioinformatics Core Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Zhigang Jin
- Affiliated Wuhan Resources and Wisco General Hospital, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiamin Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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23
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Wang Z, Qiao XH, Xu YJ, Liu XY, Huang RT, Xue S, Qiu HY, Yang YQ. SMAD1 Loss-of-Function Variant Responsible for Congenital Heart Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9916325. [PMID: 35281600 PMCID: PMC8913148 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9916325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As the most common form of developmental malformation affecting the heart and endothoracic great vessels, congenital heart disease (CHD) confers substantial morbidity and mortality as well as socioeconomic burden on humans globally. Aggregating convincing evidence highlights the genetic origin of CHD, and damaging variations in over 100 genes have been implicated with CHD. Nevertheless, the genetic basis underpinning CHD remains largely elusive. In this study, via whole-exosome sequencing analysis of a four-generation family inflicted with autosomal-dominant CHD, a heterozygous SMAD1 variation, NM_005900.3: c.264C > A; p.(Tyr88∗), was detected and validated by Sanger sequencing analysis to be in cosegregation with CHD in the whole family. The truncating variation was not observed in 362 unrelated healthy volunteers employed as control persons. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay in cultured COS7 cells demonstrated that Tyr88∗-mutant SMAD1 failed to transactivate the genes TBX20 and NKX2.5, two already well-established CHD-causative genes. Additionally, the variation nullified the synergistic transcriptional activation between SMAD1 and MYOCD, another recognized CHD-causative gene. These data indicate SMAD1 as a new gene responsible for CHD, which provides new insight into the genetic mechanism underlying CHD, suggesting certain significance for genetic risk assessment and precise antenatal prevention of the family members inflicted with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo 315031, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Qiao
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo 315031, China
| | - Ying-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ri-Tai Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Hai-Yan Qiu
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo 315031, China
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
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24
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Yarboro MT, Gopal SH, Su RL, Morgan TM, Reese J. Mouse models of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and their relevance for human PDA. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:424-443. [PMID: 34350653 PMCID: PMC8814064 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a unique fetal vascular shunt, which allows blood to bypass the developing lungs in utero. After birth, changes in complex signaling pathways lead to constriction and permanent closure of the DA. The persistent patency of the DA (PDA) is a common disorder in preterm infants, yet the underlying causes of PDA are not fully defined. Although limits on the availability of human DA tissues prevent comprehensive studies on the mechanisms of DA function, mouse models have been developed that reveal critical pathways in DA regulation. Over 20 different transgenic models of PDA in mice have been described, with implications for human DA biology. Similarly, we enumerate 224 human single-gene syndromes that are associated with PDA, including a small subset that consistently feature PDA as a prominent phenotype. Comparison and functional analyses of these genes provide insight into DA development and identify key regulatory pathways that may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the management of PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Yarboro
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Srirupa H Gopal
- Department of Pediatrics, Erlanger Health System, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rachel L Su
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas M Morgan
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jeff Reese
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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25
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Sidorenko E, Sokolova M, Pennanen AP, Kyheröinen S, Posern G, Foisner R, Vartiainen MK. Lamina-associated polypeptide 2α is required for intranuclear MRTF-A activity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2306. [PMID: 35145145 PMCID: PMC8831594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a coactivator of serum response factor (SRF), regulates the expression of many cytoskeletal genes in response to cytoplasmic and nuclear actin dynamics. Here we describe a novel mechanism to regulate MRTF-A activity within the nucleus by showing that lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (Lap2α), the nucleoplasmic isoform of Lap2, is a direct binding partner of MRTF-A, and required for the efficient expression of MRTF-A/SRF target genes. Mechanistically, Lap2α is not required for MRTF-A nuclear localization, unlike most other MRTF-A regulators, but is required for efficient recruitment of MRTF-A to its target genes. This regulatory step takes place prior to MRTF-A chromatin binding, because Lap2α neither interacts with, nor specifically influences active histone marks on MRTF-A/SRF target genes. Phenotypically, Lap2α is required for serum-induced cell migration, and deregulated MRTF-A activity may also contribute to muscle and proliferation phenotypes associated with loss of Lap2α. Our studies therefore add another regulatory layer to the control of MRTF-A-SRF-mediated gene expression, and broaden the role of Lap2α in transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Sokolova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti P Pennanen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salla Kyheröinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Guido Posern
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Roland Foisner
- Max Perutz Labs, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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26
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Tucker TA, Idell S. Update on Novel Targeted Therapy for Pleural Organization and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031587. [PMID: 35163509 PMCID: PMC8835949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural injury and subsequent loculation is characterized by acute injury, sustained inflammation and, when severe, pathologic tissue reorganization. While fibrin deposition is a normal part of the injury response, disordered fibrin turnover can promote pleural loculation and, when unresolved, fibrosis of the affected area. Within this review, we present a brief discussion of the current IPFT therapies, including scuPA, for the treatment of pathologic fibrin deposition and empyema. We also discuss endogenously expressed PAI-1 and how it may affect the efficacy of IPFT therapies. We further delineate the role of pleural mesothelial cells in the progression of pleural injury and subsequent pleural remodeling resulting from matrix deposition. We also describe how pleural mesothelial cells promote pleural fibrosis as myofibroblasts via mesomesenchymal transition. Finally, we discuss novel therapeutic targets which focus on blocking and/or reversing the myofibroblast differentiation of pleural mesothelial cells for the treatment of pleural fibrosis.
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27
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Herranz-Pérez V, Nakatani J, Ishii M, Katada T, García-Verdugo JM, Ohata S. Ependymoma associated protein Zfta is expressed in immature ependymal cells but is not essential for ependymal development in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1493. [PMID: 35087169 PMCID: PMC8795269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion protein of uncharacterised zinc finger translocation associated (ZFTA) and effector transcription factor of tumorigenic NF-κB signalling, RELA (ZFTA-RELA), is expressed in more than two-thirds of supratentorial ependymoma (ST-EPN-RELA), but ZFTA's expression profile and functional analysis in multiciliated ependymal (E1) cells have not been examined. Here, we showed the mRNA expression of mouse Zfta peaks on embryonic day (E) 17.5 in the wholemount of the lateral walls of the lateral ventricle. Zfta was expressed in the nuclei of FoxJ1-positive immature E1 (pre-E1) cells in E18.5 mouse embryonic brain. Interestingly, the transcription factors promoting ciliogenesis (ciliary TFs) (e.g., multicilin) and ZFTA-RELA upregulated luciferase activity using a 5' upstream sequence of ZFTA in cultured cells. Zftatm1/tm1 knock-in mice did not show developmental defects or abnormal fertility. In the Zftatm1/tm1 E1 cells, morphology, gene expression, ciliary beating frequency and ependymal flow were unaffected. These results suggest that Zfta is expressed in pre-E1 cells, possibly under the control of ciliary TFs, but is not essential for ependymal development or flow. This study sheds light on the mechanism of the ZFTA-RELA expression in the pathogenesis of ST-EPN-RELA: Ciliary TFs initiate ZFTA-RELA expression in pre-E1 cells, and ZFTA-RELA enhances its own expression using positive feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, CIBERNED, University of Valencia, 46980, Paterna, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Jin Nakatani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishii
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Katada
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Jose Manuel García-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Institute Cavanilles of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, CIBERNED, University of Valencia, 46980, Paterna, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Shinya Ohata
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo, 202-8585, Japan.
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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28
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Dinsmore CJ, Soriano P. Differential regulation of cranial and cardiac neural crest by serum response factor and its cofactors. eLife 2022; 11:e75106. [PMID: 35044299 PMCID: PMC8806183 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is an essential transcription factor that influences many cellular processes including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. SRF directly regulates and is required for immediate early gene (IEG) and actin cytoskeleton-related gene expression. SRF coordinates these competing transcription programs through discrete sets of cofactors, the ternary complex factors (TCFs) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs). The relative contribution of these two programs to in vivo SRF activity and mutant phenotypes is not fully understood. To study how SRF utilizes its cofactors during development, we generated a knock-in SrfaI allele in mice harboring point mutations that disrupt SRF-MRTF-DNA complex formation but leave SRF-TCF activity unaffected. Homozygous SrfaI/aI mutants die at E10.5 with notable cardiovascular phenotypes, and neural crest conditional mutants succumb at birth to defects of the cardiac outflow tract but display none of the craniofacial phenotypes associated with complete loss of SRF in that lineage. Our studies further support an important role for MRTF mediating SRF function in cardiac neural crest and suggest new mechanisms by which SRF regulates transcription during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Dinsmore
- Department of Cell, Development and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Department of Cell, Development and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
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29
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Antoun E, Issarapu P, di Gravio C, Shrestha S, Betts M, Saffari A, Sahariah SA, Sankareswaran A, Arumalla M, Prentice AM, Fall CHD, Silver MJ, Chandak GR, Lillycrop KA. DNA methylation signatures associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children from India and The Gambia: results from the EMPHASIS study. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:6. [PMID: 35000590 PMCID: PMC8744249 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01213-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is rising globally, with environmentally induced epigenetic changes suggested to play a role. Few studies have investigated epigenetic associations with CMD risk factors in children from low- and middle-income countries. We sought to identify associations between DNA methylation (DNAm) and CMD risk factors in children from India and The Gambia. RESULTS Using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation 850 K Beadchip array, we interrogated DNAm in 293 Gambian (7-9 years) and 698 Indian (5-7 years) children. We identified differentially methylated CpGs (dmCpGs) associated with systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, triglycerides and LDL-Cholesterol in the Gambian children; and with insulin sensitivity, insulinogenic index and HDL-Cholesterol in the Indian children. There was no overlap of the dmCpGs between the cohorts. Meta-analysis identified dmCpGs associated with insulin secretion and pulse pressure that were different from cohort-specific dmCpGs. Several differentially methylated regions were associated with diastolic blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose, but these did not overlap with the dmCpGs. We identified significant cis-methQTLs at three LDL-Cholesterol-associated dmCpGs in Gambians; however, methylation did not mediate genotype effects on the CMD outcomes. CONCLUSION This study identified cardiometabolic biomarkers associated with differential DNAm in Indian and Gambian children. Most associations were cohort specific, potentially reflecting environmental and ethnic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Antoun
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Prachand Issarapu
- Genomic Research On Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Chiara di Gravio
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Smeeta Shrestha
- Genomic Research On Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
- School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, India
| | - Modupeh Betts
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Ayden Saffari
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Alagu Sankareswaran
- Genomic Research On Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manisha Arumalla
- Genomic Research On Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Caroline H D Fall
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matt J Silver
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Giriraj R Chandak
- Genomic Research On Complex Diseases (GRC Group), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Karen A Lillycrop
- School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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30
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Hu J, Li Y, Wei Z, Chen H, Sun X, Zhou Q, Zhang Q, Yin Y, Guo M, Chen J, Zhai G, Xu B, Xie J. A reduction in the vascular smooth muscle cell focal adhesion component syndecan-4 is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e605. [PMID: 34936241 PMCID: PMC8693440 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious vascular disease for which there is no effective drug treatment. The incidence of AAA increases significantly as a subject ages, and the molecular mechanism of AAA formation remains elusive. In the present study, we investigated the role of syndecan-4 (SDC4), an important component of focal adhesions, in AAA formation and its association with phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS AND RESULTS The protein expression levels of SDC4 were significantly decreased in human AAA tissue and those of an AAA mouse model. Moreover, SDC4 knockout (KO) in mice accelerated the formation and rupture of AAAs induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) Mechanistically, the decrease in SDC4 led to the transformation of cultured VSMCs from a contractile to a secretory phenotype. The RhoA-F/G-actin-myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) signalling pathway was shown to be involved in SDC4-dependent VSMC alteration. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a G-protein-coupled receptor, attenuated the AAA formation in SDC4-KO and wild-type (WT) mice in response to Ang II and CaCl2 stimulation. CONCLUSION We herein demonstrated that silencing SDC4 was associated with increased AAA formation and phenotypic changes in VSMCs via the RhoA-F/G-actin-MRTF-A pathway. These findings indicated that a reduction in SDC4 expression was an important pathological alteration and potential therapeutic target for AAA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuyu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhonghai Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Haiting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xuan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yong Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Meng Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jianzhou Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Guangyao Zhai
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Biao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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31
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Xu L, Wu J, Liu Y, Chen G, Ma C, Zhang H. Peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor β/δ regulates cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage via modulating vascular smooth muscle cells phenotypic conversion. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:860. [PMID: 34664679 PMCID: PMC8548938 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with high deformity rates and cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypic switch is considered to be involved in the regulation of CVS. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, its underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. Peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) has been demonstrated to be involved in the modulation of vascular cells proliferation and maintains the autoregulation function of blood vessels. The present study investigated the potential effect of PPARβ/δ on CVS following SAH. A model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation on male adult Sprague‑Dawley rats, and the adenovirus PPARβ/δ (Ad‑PPARβ/δ) was injected via intracerebroventricular administration prior to SAH. The expression levels of phenotypic markers α‑smooth muscle actin and embryonic smooth muscle myosin heavy chain were measured via western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The basilar artery diameter and vessel wall thickness were evaluated under fluorescence microscopy. SAH grade, neurological scores, brain water content and brain swelling were measured to study the mechanisms of PPARβ/δ on vascular smooth muscle phenotypic transformation. It was revealed that the expression levels of synthetic proteins were upregulated in rats with SAH and this was accompanied by CVS. Activation of PPARβ/δ using Ad‑PPARβ/δ markedly upregulated the contractile proteins elevation, restrained the synthetic proteins expression and attenuated SAH‑induced CVS by regulating the phenotypic switch in VSMCs at 72 h following SAH. Furthermore, the preliminary study demonstrated that PPARβ/δ downregulated ERK activity and decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p‑)ETS domain‑containing protein Elk‑1 and p‑p90 ribosomal S6 kinase, which have been demonstrated to serve an important role in VSMC phenotypic change. Additionally, it was revealed that Ad‑PPARβ/δ could positively improve CVS by ameliorating the diameter of the basilar artery and mitigating the thickness of the vascular wall. Furthermore, subsequent experiments demonstrated that Ad‑PPARβ/δ markedly reduced the brain water content and brain swelling and improved the neurological outcome. Taken together, the present study identified PPARβ/δ as a useful regulator for the VSMCs phenotypic switch and attenuating CVS following SAH, thereby providing novel insights into the therapeutic strategies of delayed cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Intensive Care Unit of Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
| | - Hongrong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215026, P.R. China
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32
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Liao KA, Rangarajan KV, Bai X, Taylor JM, Mack CP. The actin depolymerizing factor destrin serves as a negative feedback inhibitor of smooth muscle cell differentiation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H893-H904. [PMID: 34559579 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00142.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that several components of the RhoA signaling pathway control smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype by altering serum response factor (SRF)-dependent gene expression. Because our genome-wide analyses of chromatin structure and transcription factor binding suggested that the actin depolymerizing factor, destrin (DSTN), was regulated in a SMC-selective fashion, the goals of the current study were to identify the transcription mechanisms that control DSTN expression in SMC and to test whether it regulates SMC function. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed strong and at least partially SMC-selective expression of DSTN in many mouse tissues, a result consistent with human data from the genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) consortium. We identified several regulatory regions that control DSTN expression including a SMC-selective enhancer that was activated by myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A), recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ-J region (RBPJ), and the SMAD transcription factors. Indeed, enhancer activity and endogenous DSTN expression were upregulated by RhoA and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and downregulated by inhibition of Notch cleavage. We also showed that DSTN expression was decreased in vivo by carotid artery injury and in cultured SMC cells by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment. siRNA-mediated depletion of DSTN significantly enhanced MRTF-A nuclear localization and SMC differentiation marker gene expression, decreased SMC migration in scratch wound assays, and decreased SMC proliferation, as measured by cell number and cyclin-E expression. Taken together our data indicate that DSTN is a negative feedback inhibitor of RhoA/SRF-dependent gene expression in SMC that coordinately promotes SMC phenotypic modulation. Interventions that target DSTN expression or activity could serve as potential therapies for atherosclerosis and restenosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY First, DSTN is selectively expressed in SMC in RhoA/SRF-dependent manner. Second, a SMC-selective enhancer just upstream of DSTN TSS harbors functional SRF, SMAD, and Notch/RBPJ binding elements. Third, DSTN depletion increased SRF-dependent SMC marker gene expression while inhibiting SMC migration and proliferation. Taken together, our data suggest that DSTN is a critical negative feedback inhibitor of SMC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo An Liao
- Department of Pathology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Krsna V Rangarajan
- Department of Pathology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Pathology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joan M Taylor
- Department of Pathology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher P Mack
- Department of Pathology and McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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33
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Liu L, Bankell E, Rippe C, Morén B, Stenkula KG, Nilsson BO, Swärd K. Cell Type Dependent Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators by Myocardin Related Transcription Factors. Front Physiol 2021; 12:732564. [PMID: 34671275 PMCID: PMC8521029 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.732564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardin related transcription factors (MRTFs: MYOCD/myocardin, MRTF-A, and MRTF-B) play a key role in smooth muscle cell differentiation by activating contractile genes. In atherosclerosis, MRTF levels change, and most notable is a fall of MYOCD. Previous work described anti-inflammatory properties of MRTF-A and MYOCD, occurring through RelA binding, suggesting that MYOCD reduction could contribute to vascular inflammation. Recent studies have muddled this picture showing that MRTFs may show both anti- and pro-inflammatory properties, but the basis of these discrepancies remain unclear. Moreover, the impact of MRTFs on inflammatory signaling pathways in tissues relevant to human arterial disease is uncertain. The current work aimed to address these issues. RNA-sequencing after forced expression of myocardin in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs) showed reduction of pro-inflammatory transcripts, including CCL2, CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B. Side-by-side comparison of MYOCD, MRTF-A, and MRTF-B in hCASMCs, showed that the anti-inflammatory impact was shared among MRTFs. Correlation analyses using human arterial transcriptomic datasets revealed negative correlations between MYOCD, MRTFA, and SRF, on the one hand, and the inflammatory transcripts, on the other. A pro-inflammatory drive from lipopolysaccharide, did not change the size of the suppressive effect of MRTF-A in hCASMCs on either mRNA or protein levels. To examine cell type-dependence, we compared the anti-inflammatory impact in hCASMCs, with that in human bladder SMCs, in endothelial cells, and in monocytes (THP-1 cells). Surprisingly, little anti-inflammatory activity was seen in endothelial cells and monocytes, and in bladder SMCs, MRTF-A was pro-inflammatory. CXCL8, IL6, and IL1B were increased by the MRTF-SRF inhibitor CCG-1423 and by MRTF-A silencing in hCASMCs, but depolymerization of actin, known to inhibit MRTF activity, had no stimulatory effect, an exception being IL1B. Co-immunoprecipitation supported binding of MRTF-A to RelA, supporting sequestration of this important pro-inflammatory mediator as a mechanism. Dexamethasone treatment and silencing of RelA (by 76 ± 1%) however only eliminated a fraction of the MRTF-A effect (≈25%), suggesting mechanisms beyond RelA binding. Indeed, SRF silencing suggested that MRTF-A suppression of IL1B and CXCL8 depends on SRF. This work thus supports an anti-inflammatory impact of MRTF-SRF signaling in hCASMCs and in intact human arteries, but not in several other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Urology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, China
| | | | - Catarina Rippe
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Morén
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund, Sweden
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34
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Sivaraman S, Hedrick J, Ismail S, Slavin C, Rao RR. Generation and Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910335. [PMID: 34638675 PMCID: PMC8508589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. A completely autologous treatment can be achieved by using elastogenic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived smooth muscle cells (SMC) at the affected tissue site of vascular diseases such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Thus, our work focused on evaluating the efficacy of (a) the combination of various growth factors, (b) different time periods and (c) different MSC lines to determine the treatment combination that generated SMCs that exhibited the greatest elastogenicity among the tested groups using Western blotting and flow cytometry. Additionally, total RNA sequencing was used to confirm that post-differentiation cells were upregulating SMC-specific gene markers. Results indicated that MSCs cultured for four days in PDGF + TGFβ1 (PT)-infused differentiation medium showed significant increases in SMC markers and decreases in MSC markers compared to MSCs cultured without differentiation factors. RNA Seq analysis confirmed the presence of vascular smooth muscle formation in MSCs differentiated in PT medium over a seven-day period. Overall, our results indicated that origin, growth factor treatment and culture period played a major role in influencing MSC differentiation to SMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raj R. Rao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(479)-575-8610
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35
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Du F, Qi X, Zhang A, Sui F, Wang X, Proud CG, Lin C, Fan X, Li J. MRTF-A-NF-κB/p65 axis-mediated PDL1 transcription and expression contributes to immune evasion of non-small-cell lung cancer via TGF-β. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1366-1378. [PMID: 34548615 PMCID: PMC8492728 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 is abnormally regulated in many cancers and is critical for immune escape. Fully understanding the regulation of PD-L1 expression is vital for improving the clinical efficacy of relevant anticancer agents. TGF-β plays an important role in the low reactivity of PD-1/PD-L1 antibody immunotherapy. However, it is not very clear whether and how TGF-β affects PD-L1 expression. In the present study, we show that TGF-β upregulates the expression of the transcriptional coactivator MRTF-A in non-small-cell lung cancer cells, which subsequently interacts with NF-κB/p65 rather than SRF to facilitate the binding of NF-κB/p65 to the PDL1 promoter, thereby activating the transcription and expression of PD-L1. This leads to the immune escape of NSCLC cells. This process is dependent on the activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. In vivo, inhibition of MRTF-A effectively suppresses the growth of lung tumor syngrafts with enrichment of NK and T cells in tumor tissue. Our study defines a new signaling pathway that regulates the transcription and expression of PD-L1 upon TGF-β treatment, which may have a significant impact on research into the application of immunotherapy in treating lung cancer. Better understanding how a critical protein to allow cancer cells to escape immune system may aid in development of improved immunotherapies for lung cancer. The membrane protein PD-L1, expressed on tumor cells, helps them to evade the immune surveillance; existing treatments that block PD-L1 have very low efficacy for some patient partly due to re-expression of PD-L1. Jing Li at Ocean University of China in Qingdao and co-workers found that TGF-β up-regulated in tumor microenvironment boosts PD-L1 transcription and expression in an unusual way, namely, via MRTF-A-NF-κB/p65 axis. Blocking MRTF-A in a mouse model remarkably increased levels of immune cells targeting the tumor and slowed lung tumor growth. These results illuminate the mechanism of immune escape in lung cancers upon TGF-β, which may contribute to develop new treatment to synergize PD-L1 antibody therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Du
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Aotong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanfan Sui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Cunzhi Lin
- Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Xinglong Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China. .,Open Studio for Drug Research on Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Nishikawa T, Kuwano Y, Nakata M, Rokutan K, Nishida K. Multiple G-quadruplexes in the LMNA promoter regulate LMNA variant 6 transcription and promote colon cancer cell growth. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2021; 1864:194746. [PMID: 34419630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2021.194746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Lamin A/C proteins, major components of the nuclear lamina, are encoded by the LMNA gene. These proteins have multiple cellular functions, including DNA transcription and replication, chromatin organization, regulation of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Mutations in LMNA are associated with a variety of diseases called laminopathies. LMNA has implications in cancer; however, its mechanisms of dysregulation in cancer cells are not yet fully understood. In this study, among the LMNA transcript variants, we focused on a transcriptional variant 6 (termed LMNA-V6), which contains unique 3 exons upstream of exon 1 of LMNA. The promoter region of LMNA-V6 formed multiple G-quadruplexes and increased its transcriptional activity. Moreover, LMNA-V6 negatively regulated other LMNA mRNA variants, lamin A and lamin C, via direct interaction with their promoter. Knockdown of LMNA-V6 decreased the proliferation of colon cancer cells, whereas overexpression of the unique 3 exons of LMNA-V6 increased cell growth. Furthermore, microarray gene expression profiling showed that alteration of LMNA-V6 levels influenced the expression of p53 in colon cancer cells. Taken together, the results suggest that LMNA-V6 may be a novel functional RNA whose expression is regulated through multiple G-quadruplexes in colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Nishikawa
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan; Department of Onco-cardiology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Kuwano
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Mayu Nakata
- Student Lab, Tokushima University Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Rokutan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kensei Nishida
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Mechanosensitive Transcription Factors MRTF and YAP /TAZ. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:197-216. [PMID: 34028745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and the paralogous Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional co-activators that play pivotal roles in myofibroblast generation and activation, and thus the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. They are regulated by a variety of chemical and mechanical fibrogenic stimuli, primarily at the level of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this chapter we describe the tools and protocols that allow for exact, quantitative, and automated determination and analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of endogenous or heterologously expressed MRTF and YAP/TAZ, measured in large cell populations. Dynamic monitoring of nucleocytoplasmic ratios of transcription factors is a novel and important approach, suitable to address both the structural requirements and the regulatory mechanisms underlying transcription factor traffic and the consequent reprogramming of gene expression during fibrogenesis.
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Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is generally considered adaptive responses that may occur after myocardial infarction, pressure overload, volume overload, inflammatory heart muscle disease, or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, whereas long-term stimulation eventually leads to heart failure (HF). However, the current molecular mechanisms involved in CH are unclear. Recently, increasing evidences reveal that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in CH. Different lncRNAs can promote or inhibit the pathological process of CH by different mechanisms, while the regulation of lncRNAs expression can improve CH. Thus, CH-related lncRNAs may become a novel field of research on CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Sun
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Chenglong Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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40
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Yang Q, Shi W. Rho/ROCK-MYOCD in regulating airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L1-L5. [PMID: 33909498 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00034.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal airway remodeling is a common pathological change seen in chronic respiratory diseases. Altered proliferation and differentiation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are the major components of airway remodeling, and the resultant structural abnormalities are difficult to restore. Understanding of airway smooth muscle regulation is urgently needed to identify potential intervention targets. MYOCD (or myocardin) and myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) are key cotranscription factors in muscle growth, which have not been extensively investigated in airway smooth muscle cells. In addition, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is known to play an important role in airway remodeling partly through regulating the proliferation and differentiation of ASMCs, which may be connected with MYOCD/MRTF cotranscription factors [Kumawat et al. (Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 311: L529-L537, 2016); Lagna et al. (J Biol Chem 282: 37244-37255, 2007)]. This review focuses on this newly recognized and potentially important RhoA/ROCK-MYOCD/MRTFs pathway in controlling airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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41
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Distinct signaling by insulin and IGF-1 receptors and their extra- and intracellular domains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019474118. [PMID: 33879610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019474118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors share many downstream signaling pathways but have unique biological effects. To define the molecular signals contributing to these distinct activities, we performed global phosphoproteomics on cells expressing either insulin receptor (IR), IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), or chimeric IR-IGF1R receptors. We show that IR preferentially stimulates phosphorylations associated with mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and Akt pathways, whereas IGF1R preferentially stimulates phosphorylations on proteins associated with the Ras homolog family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (Rho GTPases), and cell cycle progression. There were also major differences in the phosphoproteome between cells expressing IR versus IGF1R in the unstimulated state, including phosphorylation of proteins involved in membrane trafficking, chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle. In cells expressing chimeric IR-IGF1R receptors, these differences in signaling could be mapped to contributions of both the extra- and intracellular domains of these receptors. Thus, despite their high homology, IR and IGF1R preferentially regulate distinct networks of phosphorylation in both the basal and stimulated states, allowing for the unique effects of these hormones on organismal function.
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42
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MKL1 deficiency results in a severe neutrophil motility defect due to impaired actin polymerization. Blood 2021; 135:2171-2181. [PMID: 32128589 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019002633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 (MKL1) promotes the regulation of essential cell processes, including actin cytoskeletal dynamics, by coactivating serum response factor. Recently, the first human with MKL1 deficiency, leading to a novel primary immunodeficiency, was identified. We report a second family with 2 siblings with a homozygous frameshift mutation in MKL1. The index case died as an infant from progressive and severe pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and poor wound healing. The younger sibling was preemptively transplanted shortly after birth. The immunodeficiency was marked by a pronounced actin polymerization defect and a strongly reduced motility and chemotactic response by MKL1-deficient neutrophils. In addition to the lack of MKL1, subsequent proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of patient neutrophils revealed actin and several actin-related proteins to be downregulated, confirming a role for MKL1 as a transcriptional coregulator. Degranulation was enhanced upon suboptimal neutrophil activation, whereas production of reactive oxygen species was normal. Neutrophil adhesion was intact but without proper spreading. The latter could explain the observed failure in firm adherence and transendothelial migration under flow conditions. No apparent defect in phagocytosis or bacterial killing was found. Also, monocyte-derived macrophages showed intact phagocytosis, and lymphocyte counts and proliferative capacity were normal. Nonhematopoietic primary fibroblasts demonstrated defective differentiation into myofibroblasts but normal migration and F-actin content, most likely as a result of compensatory mechanisms of MKL2, which is not expressed in neutrophils. Our findings extend current insight into the severe immune dysfunction in MKL1 deficiency, with cytoskeletal dysfunction and defective extravasation of neutrophils as the most prominent features.
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43
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Lim YH, Ryu J, Kook H, Kim YK. Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Differentiation and Survival of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:209-221. [PMID: 33230428 PMCID: PMC7515970 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been implicated in many pathophysiological cardiovascular processes, including vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis. However, the functional role of lncRNAs in the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is largely unknown. In this study, differentially expressed lncRNAs in synthetic and contractile human VSMCs were screened using RNA sequencing. Among the seven selected lncRNAs, the expression of MSC-AS1, MBNL1-AS1, and GAS6-AS2 was upregulated, whereas the expression of NR2F1-AS1, FUT8-AS1, FOXC2-AS1, and CTD-2207P18.2 was reduced upon VSMC differentiation. We focused on the NR2F1-AS1 and FOXC2-AS1 lncRNAs and showed that their knockdown significantly reduced the expression of smooth muscle contractile marker genes (ACTA2, CNN1, and TAGLN). Furthermore, FOXC2-AS1 was found to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis through Akt/mTOR signaling, and affect Notch signaling, which is a key regulator of the contractile phenotype of VSMCs. Taken together, we identified novel lncRNAs involved in VSMC proliferation and differentiation and FOXC2-AS1 as a multifunctional regulator for vascular homeostasis and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong-Hwan Lim
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Ryu
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kook Kim
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling Research Laboratory, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
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44
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Dong X, Feng M, Yang H, Liu H, Guo H, Gao X, Liu Y, Liu R, Zhang N, Chen R, Kong R. Rictor promotes cell migration and actin polymerization through regulating ABLIM1 phosphorylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2835-2852. [PMID: 33061800 PMCID: PMC7545703 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.46285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most ominous malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, owing to its aggressive invasion and metastatic spread. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that Rictor, as a unique component of the mTORC2, plays a role in cell migration, as it is dysregulated in various cancers, including HCC. However, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been well-characterized. Here, evaluation on a tissue-array panel and bioinformatics analysis revealed that Rictor is highly expressed in HCC tissues. Moreover, increased Rictor expression predicts poor survival of HCC patients. Rictor knockdown significantly suppressed cell migration and actin polymerization, thereby leading to decreased nuclear accumulation of MKL1 and subsequent inactivation of SRF/MKL1-dependent gene transcription, i.e. Arp3 and c-Fos. Mechanistically, we identified ABLIM1 as a previously unknown phosphorylation target of Rictor. Rictor interacts with ABLIM1 and regulates its serine phosphorylation in HCC cells. We generated ABLIM1 knockout cell lines of HCC, in which dominant negative mutations of Ser 214 and Ser 431 residues inhibited the ABLIM1-mediated actin polymerization and the MKL1 signaling pathway. Overall, ABLIM1 phosphorylation induced by Rictor plays an important role in controlling actin polymerization in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dong
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Mei Feng
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China.,Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Hengkang Liu
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Hua Guo
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xianshu Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Yucun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Rong Liu
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
| | - Ruibing Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P.R. China
| | - Ruirui Kong
- Translational Cancer Research Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing. 100034, P.R. China
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45
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Wu C, Huang C. ICAM-1 and MKL-1 polymorphisms impose considerable impacts on coronary heart disease occurrence. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10338-10342. [PMID: 32770617 PMCID: PMC7521307 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to explore the correlation of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) K469E and megakaryoblastic leukaemia factor‐1 (MKL‐1) −184C/T polymorphisms with the susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD) in the Chinese Han population. 100 CHD patients and 91 healthy people that had no blood connection with each other were enrolled in this case‐control study. ICAM‐1 and MKL‐1 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) approach. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the correlation between polymorphisms of ICAM‐1 and MKL‐1 and CHD susceptibility. Differences of genotype and allele frequencies of the two SNPs between case and control groups were analysed by chi‐square test. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were indicated relative susceptibility of CHD. The distributions of ICAM‐1 and MKL‐1 polymorphisms in each group conformed to Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). After adjusting for traditional risk factors, the TT genotype frequency of MKL‐1 −184C/T polymorphism was found significantly higher in case group than in control group (P < .05). Meanwhile, T allele frequency increased in case group compared with control group, and the differences had statistical significance (P = .04, OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.34‐5.26). Logistic regression analysis in this study proved that smoking, hypertension, diabetes and triglyceride (TG) were all risk factors for CHD ICAM‐1 K469E polymorphism has no association with the onset of CHD. But MKL‐1 −184C/T polymorphism is associated with the risk of CHD and T allele might be a susceptibility factor for CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cungang Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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46
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Titus AS, V H, Kailasam S. Coordinated regulation of cell survival and cell cycle pathways by DDR2-dependent SRF transcription factor in cardiac fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1538-H1558. [PMID: 32412792 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00740.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Relative resistance to apoptosis and the ability to proliferate and produce a collagen-rich scar determine the critical role of cardiac fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue remodeling following myocardial injury. Identification of cardiac fibroblast-specific factors and mechanisms underlying these aspects of cardiac fibroblast function is therefore of considerable scientific and clinical interest. In the present study, gene knockdown and overexpression approaches and promoter binding assays showed that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a mesenchymal cell-specific collagen receptor tyrosine kinase localized predominantly in fibroblasts in the heart, acts via ERK1/2 MAPK-activated serum response factor (SRF) transcription factor to enhance the expression of antiapoptotic cIAP2 in cardiac fibroblasts, conferring resistance against oxidative injury. Furthermore, DDR2 was found to act via ERK1/2 MAPK-activated SRF to transcriptionally upregulate Skp2 that in turn facilitated post-translational degradation of p27, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that causes cell cycle arrest, to promote G1-S transition, as evidenced by Rb phosphorylation, increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and flow cytometry. DDR2-dependent ERK1/2 MAPK activation also suppressed forkhead box O 3a (FoxO3a)-mediated transcriptional induction of p27. Inhibition of the binding of collagen type I to DDR2 using WRG-28 indicated the obligate role of collagen type I in the activation of DDR2 and its regulatory role in cell survival and cell cycle protein expression. Notably, DDR2 levels positively correlated with SRF, cIAP2, and PCNA levels in cardiac fibroblasts from spontaneously hypertensive rats. To conclude, DDR2-mediated ERK1/2 MAPK activation facilitates coordinated regulation of cell survival and cell cycle progression in cardiac fibroblasts via SRF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Relative resistance to apoptosis and the ability to proliferate and produce a collagen-rich scar enable cardiac fibroblasts to play a central role in myocardial response to injury. This study reports novel findings that mitogen-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts exploit a common regulatory mechanism involving collagen receptor (DDR2)-dependent activation of ERK1/2 MAPK and serum response factor to achieve coordinated regulation of apoptosis resistance and cell cycle progression, which could facilitate their survival and function in the injured myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Sam Titus
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Harikrishnan V
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Shivakumar Kailasam
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
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47
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Borowiak M, Küllmer F, Gegenfurtner F, Peil S, Nasufovic V, Zahler S, Thorn-Seshold O, Trauner D, Arndt HD. Optical Manipulation of F-Actin with Photoswitchable Small Molecules. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:9240-9249. [PMID: 32388980 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-permeable photoswitchable small molecules, termed optojasps, are introduced to optically control the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and cellular functions that depend on it. These light-dependent effectors were designed from the F-actin-stabilizing marine depsipeptide jasplakinolide by functionalizing them with azobenzene photoswitches. As demonstrated, optojasps can be employed to control cell viability, cell motility, and cytoskeletal signaling with the high spatial and temporal resolution that light affords. Optojasps can be expected to find applications in diverse areas of cell biological research. They may also provide a template for photopharmacology targeting the ubiquitous actin cytoskeleton with precision control in the micrometer range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Borowiak
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Florian Küllmer
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena D-07743, Germany
| | - Florian Gegenfurtner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Sebastian Peil
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena D-07743, Germany
| | - Veselin Nasufovic
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena D-07743, Germany
| | - Stefan Zahler
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York 10003, New York, United States
| | - Hans-Dieter Arndt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Humboldtstrasse 10, Jena D-07743, Germany
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48
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Zhang HM, Li H, Wang GX, Wang J, Xiang Y, Huang Y, Shen C, Dai ZT, Li JP, Zhang TC, Liao XH. MKL1/miR-5100/CAAP1 loop regulates autophagy and apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Neoplasia 2020; 22:220-230. [PMID: 32315812 PMCID: PMC7167518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE miR-5100 participates in the proliferation of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer cells, and participates in the differentiation of osteoblasts. However, the regulation of gastric cancer cells in gastric cancer cells remains unclear. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The blood of patients was collected to detect the expression level of miR-5100, and the apoptosis and autophagy levels of cells were detected using western blot, flow cytometry, and confocal. At the same time, in vitro tumor formation experiments in nude mice were used to verify the results of in vitro experiments. RESULTS The expression of miR-5100 is related to the prognosis of gastric cancer, miR-5100 can enhance the apoptosis level of gastric cancer cells and inhibit the occurrence of autophagy by targeting CAAP1. MKL1 can inhibit the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells and promote the occurrence of autophagy by targeting CAAP1. At the same time, MKL1 can also increase the expression of miR-5100. CONCLUSIONS Our research reveals the mechanism by which the MKL1/miR-5100/CAAP1 loop regulates apoptosis and autophagy levels in gastric cancer cells, and miR-5100 is expected to become a new potential target for gastric cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Gen-Xin Wang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Yuan Xiang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - You Huang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Chao Shen
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Zhou-Tong Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Jia-Peng Li
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China
| | - Tong-Cun Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China.
| | - Xing-Hua Liao
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430000, PR China.
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Russell MA. Synemin Redefined: Multiple Binding Partners Results in Multifunctionality. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:159. [PMID: 32258037 PMCID: PMC7090255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically synemin has been studied as an intermediate filament protein. However, synemin also binds the type II regulatory (R) subunit α of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase type 2A, thus participating in the PKA and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and signaling pathways. In addition, recent studies using transgenic mice indicate that a significant function of synemin is its role in signaling pathways in various tissues, including the heart. Recent clinical reports have shown that synemin mutations led to multiple cases of dilated cardiomyopathy. Additionally, a single case of the rare condition ulnar-mammary-like syndrome with left ventricular tachycardia due to a mutation in the synemin gene (SYNM) has been reported. Therefore, this review uses these recent studies to provide a new framework for detailed discussions on synemin tissue distribution, binding partners and synemin in disease. Differences between α- and β-synemin are highlighted. The studies presented here indicate that while synemin does function as an intermediate filament protein, it is unique among this large family of proteins as it is also a regulator of signaling pathways and a crosslinker. Also evident is that the dominant function(s) are isoform-, developmental-, and tissue-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University at Trumbull, Warren, OH, United States
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Shi Z, Ren M, Rockey DC. Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A synergistically mediate actin cytoskeletal-dependent inhibition of liver fibrogenesis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G504-G517. [PMID: 31928221 PMCID: PMC7099496 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00302.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), characterized by development of a robust actin cytoskeleton and expression of abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as type 1 collagen (COL.1), is a central cellular and molecular event in liver fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that HSCs express both myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A). However, the biological effects of myocardin and MRTF-A on HSC activation and liver fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanism under the process, remain unclear. Here, we report that myocardin and MRTF-A's expression and nuclear accumulation are prominently increased during the HSC activation process, accompanied by robust activation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A binding and function with a novel small molecule, CCG-203971, led to dose-dependent inhibition of HSC actin cytoskeleton dynamics and abrogated multiple functional features of HSC activation (i.e., HSC contraction, migration and proliferation) and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, blocking the myocardin and MRTF-A nuclear translocation pathway with CCG-203971 directly inhibited myocardin/MRTF-A-mediated serum response factor (SRF), and Smad2/3 activation in the COL.1α2 promoter and indirectly abrogated actin cytoskeleton-dependent regulation of Smad2/3 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation and their nuclear accumulation. Finally, there was no effect of CCG-203971 on markers of inflammation, suggesting a direct effect of the compound on HSCs and liver fibrosis. These data reveal that myocardin and MRTF-A are two important cotranscriptional factors in HSCs and represent entirely novel therapeutic pathways that might be targeted to treat liver fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Myocardin and myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) are upregulated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo, closely associated with robustly increased actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Targeting myocardin and MRTF-A by CCG-203971 leads to actin cytoskeleton-dependent inhibition of HSC activation, reduced cell contractility, impeded cell migration and proliferation, and decreased COL.1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Dual expression of myocardin and MRTF-A in HSCs may represent novel therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengdun Shi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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