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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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2
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Ritsvall O, Albinsson S. Emerging role of YAP/TAZ in vascular mechanotransduction and disease. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12838. [PMID: 38011540 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cells have an incredible ability to physically interact with neighboring cells and their environment. They can detect and respond to mechanical forces by converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. This is a key process for the adaption of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells to altered flow and pressure conditions. Mechanical stimuli, referring to a physical force exerted on cells, are primarily sensed by transmembrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton, which initiate a cascade of intracellular events, including the activation of signaling pathways, ion channels, and transcriptional regulators. Recent work has highlighted an important role of the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ for mechanotransduction in vascular cells. Interestingly, the activity of YAP/TAZ decreases with age, providing a potential mechanism for the detrimental effects of aging in the vascular wall. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the functional role of YAP and TAZ in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells for mechanotransduction in homeostasis and disease. In particular, the review is focused on in vivo observations from conditional knockout (KO) models of YAP/TAZ and the potential implications these studies may have for our understanding of vascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ritsvall
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Mao S, Song C, Huang H, Nie Y, Ding K, Cui J, Tian J, Tang H. Role of transcriptional cofactors in cardiovascular diseases. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 706:149757. [PMID: 38490050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149757] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a main cause of mortality in the world and the highest incidence of all diseases. However, the mechanism of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is still unclear, and we need to continue to explore its mechanism of action. The occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease is significantly associated with genetic abnormalities, and gene expression is affected by transcriptional regulation. In this complex process, the protein-protein interaction promotes the RNA polymerase II to the initiation site. And in this process of transcriptional regulation, transcriptional cofactors are responsible for passing cues from enhancers to promoters and promoting the binding of RNA polymerases to promoters, so transcription cofactors playing a key role in gene expression regulation. There is growing evidence that transcriptional cofactors play a critical role in cardiovascular disease. Transcriptional cofactors can promote or inhibit transcription by affecting the function of transcription factors. It can affect the initiation and elongation process of transcription by forming complexes with transcription factors, which are important for the stabilization of DNA rings. It can also act as a protein that interacts with other proteins to affect the expression of other genes. Therefore, the aim of this overview is to summarize the effect of some transcriptional cofactors such as BRD4, EP300, MED1, EZH2, YAP, SIRT6 in cardiovascular disease and to provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Clinical Research Center for Myocardial Injury in Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Chao Song
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Clinical Research Center for Myocardial Injury in Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yali Nie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Clinical Research Center for Myocardial Injury in Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Kai Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Clinical Research Center for Myocardial Injury in Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jinwei Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Huifang Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Clinical Research Center for Myocardial Injury in Hunan Province, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Chaudhry FN, Michki NS, Shirmer DL, McGrath-Morrow S, Young LR, Frank DB, Zepp JA. Dynamic Hippo pathway activity underlies mesenchymal differentiation during lung alveolar morphogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202430. [PMID: 38602485 PMCID: PMC11112347 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alveologenesis, the final stage in lung development, substantially remodels the distal lung, expanding the alveolar surface area for efficient gas exchange. Secondary crest myofibroblasts (SCMF) exist transiently in the neonatal distal lung and are crucial for alveologenesis. However, the pathways that regulate SCMF function, proliferation and temporal identity remain poorly understood. To address this, we purified SCMFs from reporter mice, performed bulk RNA-seq and found dynamic changes in Hippo-signaling components during alveologenesis. We deleted the Hippo effectors Yap/Taz from Acta2-expressing cells at the onset of alveologenesis, causing a significant arrest in alveolar development. Using single cell RNA-seq, we identified a distinct cluster of cells in mutant lungs with altered expression of marker genes associated with proximal mesenchymal cell types, airway smooth muscle and alveolar duct myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed that Yap/Taz regulates myofibroblast-associated gene signature and contractility. Together, our findings show that Yap/Taz is essential for maintaining functional myofibroblast identity during postnatal alveologenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima N. Chaudhry
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nigel S. Michki
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dain L. Shirmer
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sharon McGrath-Morrow
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa R. Young
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B. Frank
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jarod A. Zepp
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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5
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Wang J, Xu J, Liu T, Yu C, Xu F, Wang G, Li S, Dai X. Biomechanics-mediated endocytosis in atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1337679. [PMID: 38638885 PMCID: PMC11024446 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1337679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical forces, including vascular shear stress, cyclic stretching, and extracellular matrix stiffness, which influence mechanosensitive channels in the plasma membrane, determine cell function in atherosclerosis. Being highly associated with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, endocytosis is the key point in molecule and macromolecule trafficking, which plays an important role in lipid transportation. The process of endocytosis relies on the mobility and tension of the plasma membrane, which is sensitive to biomechanical forces. Several studies have advanced the signal transduction between endocytosis and biomechanics to elaborate the developmental role of atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, increased plaque growth also results in changes in the structure, composition and morphology of the coronary artery that contribute to the alteration of arterial biomechanics. These cross-links of biomechanics and endocytosis in atherosclerotic plaques play an important role in cell function, such as cell phenotype switching, foam cell formation, and lipoprotein transportation. We propose that biomechanical force activates the endocytosis of vascular cells and plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxuan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxiong Xu
- School of Health Management, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianhu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Cardiology and Vascular Health Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaoping Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Cardiology and Vascular Health Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengcheng Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Cardiology and Vascular Health Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shun Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaozhen Dai
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Cardiology and Vascular Health Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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6
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Kobayashi S, Cox AG, Harvey KF, Hogan BM. Vasculature is getting Hip(po): Hippo signaling in vascular development and disease. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2627-2640. [PMID: 38052179 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway regulates developmental organ growth, regeneration, and cell fate decisions. Although the role of the Hippo pathway, and its transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ, has been well documented in many cell types and species, only recently have the roles for this pathway come to light in vascular development and disease. Experiments in mice, zebrafish, and in vitro have uncovered roles for the Hippo pathway, YAP, and TAZ in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. In addition, the Hippo pathway has been implicated in vascular cancers and cardiovascular diseases, thus identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these conditions. However, despite recent advances, Hippo's role in the vasculature is still underappreciated compared with its role in epithelial tissues. In this review, we appraise our current understanding of the Hippo pathway in blood and lymphatic vessel development and highlight the current knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakurako Kobayashi
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew G Cox
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kieran F Harvey
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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7
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Liu L, Arévalo-Martínez M, Rippe C, Johansson ME, Holmberg J, Albinsson S, Swärd K. Itga8-Cre-mediated deletion of YAP and TAZ impairs bladder contractility with minimal inflammation and chondrogenic differentiation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1485-C1501. [PMID: 37927241 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00270.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
A role of Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (TAZ) in vascular and gastrointestinal contractility due to control of myocardin (Myocd) expression, which in turn activates contractile genes, has been demonstrated. Whether this transcriptional hierarchy applies to the urinary bladder is unclear. We found that YAP/TAZ are expressed in human detrusor myocytes and therefore exploited the Itga8-CreERT2 model for the deletion of YAP/TAZ. Recombination occurred in detrusor, and YAP/TAZ transcripts were reduced by >75%. Bladder weights were increased (by ≈22%), but histology demonstrated minimal changes in the detrusor, while arteries in the mucosa were inflamed. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) using the detrusor demonstrated reductions of Myocd (-79 ± 18%) and serum response factor (Srf) along with contractile genes. In addition, the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 2 (Chrm2) and Chrm3 were suppressed (-80 ± 23% and -80 ± 10%), whereas minute increases of Il1b and Il6 were seen. Unlike YAP/TAZ-deficient arteries, SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 9 (Sox9) did not increase, and no chondrogenic differentiation was apparent. Reductions of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain 11 (Myh11), myosin light-chain kinase gene (Mylk), and Chrm3 were seen at the protein level. Beyond restraining the smooth muscle cell (SMC) program of gene expression, YAP/TAZ depletion silenced SMC-specific splicing, including exon 2a of Myocd. Reduced contractile differentiation was associated with weaker contraction in response to myosin phosphatase inhibition (-36%) and muscarinic activation (reduced by 53% at 0.3 µM carbachol). Finally, short-term overexpression of constitutively active YAP in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells increased myocardin (greater than eightfold) along with archetypal target genes, but contractile genes were unaffected or reduced. YAP and TAZ thus regulate myocardin expression in the detrusor, and this is important for SMC differentiation and splicing as well as for contractility.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study addresses the hypothesis that YAP and TAZ have an overarching role in the transcriptional hierarchy in the smooth muscle of the urinary bladder by controlling myocardin expression. Using smooth muscle-specific and inducible deletion of YAP and TAZ in adult mice, we find that YAP and TAZ control myocardin expression, contractile differentiation, smooth muscle-specific splicing, and bladder contractility. These effects are largely independent of inflammation and chondrogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Urology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, China
| | | | - Catarina Rippe
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin E Johansson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Arévalo Martínez M, Ritsvall O, Bastrup JA, Celik S, Jakobsson G, Daoud F, Winqvist C, Aspberg A, Rippe C, Maegdefessel L, Schiopu A, Jepps TA, Holmberg J, Swärd K, Albinsson S. Vascular smooth muscle-specific YAP/TAZ deletion triggers aneurysm development in mouse aorta. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170845. [PMID: 37561588 PMCID: PMC10544211 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170845] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate adaption to mechanical forces, including blood pressure, contributes to development of arterial aneurysms. Recent studies have pointed to a mechanoprotective role of YAP and TAZ in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Here, we identified reduced expression of YAP1 in human aortic aneurysms. Vascular SMC-specific knockouts (KOs) of YAP/TAZ were thus generated using the integrin α8-Cre (Itga8-Cre) mouse model (i8-YT-KO). i8-YT-KO mice spontaneously developed aneurysms in the abdominal aorta within 2 weeks of KO induction and in smaller arteries at later times. The vascular specificity of Itga8-Cre circumvented gastrointestinal effects. Aortic aneurysms were characterized by elastin disarray, SMC apoptosis, and accumulation of proteoglycans and immune cell populations. RNA sequencing, proteomics, and myography demonstrated decreased contractile differentiation of SMCs and impaired vascular contractility. This associated with partial loss of myocardin expression, reduced blood pressure, and edema. Mediators in the inflammatory cGAS/STING pathway were increased. A sizeable increase in SOX9, along with several direct target genes, including aggrecan (Acan), contributed to proteoglycan accumulation. This was the earliest detectable change, occurring 3 days after KO induction and before the proinflammatory transition. In conclusion, Itga8-Cre deletion of YAP and TAZ represents a rapid and spontaneous aneurysm model that recapitulates features of human abdominal aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Ritsvall
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Joakim Armstrong Bastrup
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Selvi Celik
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Jakobsson
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fatima Daoud
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christopher Winqvist
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Aspberg
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar - Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandru Schiopu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden, and
- Nicolae Simionescu Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Thomas A. Jepps
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Vascular Physiology Environment, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Hemmati F, Akinpelu A, Song J, Amiri F, McDaniel A, McMurray C, Afthinos A, Andreadis ST, Aitken AV, Biancardi VC, Gerecht S, Mistriotis P. Downregulation of YAP Activity Restricts P53 Hyperactivation to Promote Cell Survival in Confinement. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302228. [PMID: 37267923 PMCID: PMC10427377 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration through confining three dimensional (3D) topographies can lead to loss of nuclear envelope integrity, DNA damage, and genomic instability. Despite these detrimental phenomena, cells transiently exposed to confinement do not usually die. Whether this is also true for cells subjected to long-term confinement remains unclear at present. To investigate this, photopatterning and microfluidics are employed to fabricate a high-throughput device that circumvents limitations of previous cell confinement models and enables prolonged culture of single cells in microchannels with physiologically relevant length scales. The results of this study show that continuous exposure to tight confinement can trigger frequent nuclear envelope rupture events, which in turn promote P53 activation and cell apoptosis. Migrating cells eventually adapt to confinement and evade cell death by downregulating YAP activity. Reduced YAP activity, which is the consequence of confinement-induced YAP1/2 translocation to the cytoplasm, suppresses the incidence of nuclear envelope rupture and abolishes P53-mediated cell death. Cumulatively, this work establishes advanced, high-throughput biomimetic models for better understanding cell behavior in health and disease, and underscores the critical role of topographical cues and mechanotransduction pathways in the regulation of cell life and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Hemmati
- Department of Chemical EngineeringAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Chemical EngineeringAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Jiyeon Song
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityDurhamNC27708USA
| | - Farshad Amiri
- Department of Chemical EngineeringAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Anya McDaniel
- Department of Chemical EngineeringAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Collins McMurray
- Department of Chemical EngineeringAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | | | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Departments of Chemical and Biological EngineeringThe State University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity at BuffaloThe State University of New YorkBuffaloNY14228USA
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life SciencesBuffaloNY14203USA
- Center for Cell Gene and Tissue Engineering (CGTE)University at BuffaloThe State University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Andrew V. Aitken
- Department of AnatomyPhysiology and PharmacologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
- Center for Neurosciences InitiativeAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Vinicia C. Biancardi
- Department of AnatomyPhysiology and PharmacologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
- Center for Neurosciences InitiativeAuburn UniversityAuburnAL36849USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringDuke UniversityDurhamNC27708USA
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Wang QW, Xu JY, Li HX, Su YD, Song JW, Song ZP, Song SS, Dong B, Wang SX, Li B. A simple and accurate method to quantify real-time contraction of vascular smooth muscle cell in vitro. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 149:107146. [PMID: 36724828 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) constitute the medial layer of the blood vessel wall. Their contractile state regulates blood flow in physiological and pathological conditions. Current methods for assessing the contractility of VSMCs are not amenable to the high-throughput screening of pharmaceutical compounds. This study aimed to develop a method to address this shortcoming in the field. Real-time contraction was visualized in living VSMCs using the exogenous expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Image-Pro Plus software (IPPS) was used to measure various morphological cell indices. In phenylephrine-treated VSMCs, GFP fluorescence imaging was more accurate than brightfield imaging or phalloidin staining in representing VSMC morphology, as measured using IPPS. Among the multiple indices of VSMC shape, area and mean-diameter were more sensitive than length in reflecting the morphological changes in VSMC. We developed a new index, compound length, by combining the mean-diameter and length to differentiate contracted and uncontracted VSMCs. Based on the compound length, we further generated a contraction index to define a single-VSMC contractile status as single-VSMC contraction-index (SVCI). Finally, compound length and SVCI were validated to effectively assess cell contraction in VSMCs challenged with U46619 and KCl. In conclusion, GFP-based indices of compound length and SVCI can accurately quantify the real-time contraction of VSMCs. In future, the new method will be applied to high-throughput drug screening or basic cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wen Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Yao Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui-Xin Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yu-Dong Su
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Wen Song
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Song
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Sha-Sha Song
- Rehabilitation Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang-Xi Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Cardiology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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11
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Li R, Huang W. Yes-Associated Protein and Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif in Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021666. [PMID: 36675179 PMCID: PMC9861006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP, also known as YAP1) and its paralogue TAZ (with a PDZ-binding motif) are transcriptional coactivators that switch between the cytoplasm and nucleus and regulate the organ size and tissue homeostasis. This review focuses on the research progress on YAP/TAZ signaling proteins in myocardial infarction, cardiac remodeling, hypertension and coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and aortic disease. Based on preclinical studies on YAP/TAZ signaling proteins in cellular/animal models and clinical patients, the potential roles of YAP/TAZ proteins in some cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are summarized.
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12
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Déglise S, Bechelli C, Allagnat F. Vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, an update. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1081881. [PMID: 36685215 PMCID: PMC9845604 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial occlusive disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries. Core contemporary therapies for this disease include angioplasties, stents, endarterectomies and bypass surgery. However, these treatments suffer from high failure rates due to re-occlusive vascular wall adaptations and restenosis. Restenosis following vascular surgery is largely due to intimal hyperplasia. Intimal hyperplasia develops in response to vessel injury, leading to inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cells dedifferentiation, migration, proliferation and secretion of extra-cellular matrix into the vessel's innermost layer or intima. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the origin and mechanisms underlying the dysregulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, and we present the new avenues of research targeting VSMC phenotype and proliferation.
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13
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Daoud F, Arévalo Martínez M, Holst J, Holmberg J, Albinsson S, Swärd K. Role of smooth muscle YAP and TAZ in protection against phenotypic modulation, inflammation, and aneurysm development. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Alajbegovic A, Daoud F, Ali N, Kawka K, Holmberg J, Albinsson S. Transcription factor GATA6 promotes migration of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1054819. [PMID: 36523548 PMCID: PMC9744938 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1054819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Despite compelling evidence demonstrating the importance of transcription factor GATA6 in vascular smooth muscle, the functional role of GATA6 remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of GATA6 on cell migration and to gain insight into GATA6-sensitive genes in smooth muscle. We found that overexpression of GATA6 promotes migration of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro, and that silencing of GATA6 in smooth muscle cells resulted in reduced cellular motility. Furthermore, a complete microarray screen of GATA6-sensitive gene transcription resulted in 739 upregulated and 248 downregulated genes. Pathways enrichment analysis showed involvement of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling which was validated by measuring mRNA expression level of several members. Furthermore, master regulators prediction based on microarray data revealed several members of (mitogen activated protein kinase) MAPK pathway as a master regulators, reflecting involvement of MAPK pathway also. Our findings provide further insights into the functional role of GATA6 in vascular smooth muscle and suggest that targeting GATA6 may constitute as a new approach to inhibit vascular smooth muscle migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Alajbegovic
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fatima Daoud
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Neserin Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Orthopedics, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Kawka
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Holmberg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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15
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Villalba N, Wellman GC. Editorial: Inflammation and cardiovascular disease: Vascular responses, mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Physiol 2022; 13:995175. [PMID: 36091372 PMCID: PMC9449692 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.995175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Villalba
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Nuria Villalba,
| | - George C. Wellman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, United States
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