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Deng X, Cheng Z, Li Y, Duan M, Qi J, Hao C, Yao W. FAP Expression Dynamics and Role in Silicosis: Insights from Epidemiological and Experimental Models. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124311. [PMID: 38838811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to free silica leads to the development of silicosis, wherein activated fibroblasts play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis and progression. Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP), as a biomarker for activated fibroblasts, its expression pattern and role in key aspects of silicosis pathogenesis remain unclear. This study elucidated the expression pattern and function of FAP through population-based epidemiological investigations, establishment of mouse models of silicosis, and in vitro cellular models. Results indicated a significant elevation of FAP in plasma from silicosis patients and lung tissues from mouse models of silicosis. In the cellular model, we observed a sharp increase in FAP expression early in the differentiation process, which remained high expression. Inhibition of FAP suppressed fibroblast differentiation, while overexpression of FAP produced the opposite effect. Moreover, fibroblast-derived FAP can alter the phenotype and function of neighboring macrophages. In summary, we revealed a high expression pattern of FAP in silicosis and its potential mechanistic role in fibrosis, suggesting FAP as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan Deng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhiwei Cheng
- Department of Case Management, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China; Library, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Meixiu Duan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jingyi Qi
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
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2
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Martin-Blazquez A, Martin-Lorenzo M, Santiago-Hernandez A, Heredero A, Donado A, Lopez JA, Anfaiha-Sanchez M, Ruiz-Jimenez R, Esteban V, Vazquez J, Aldamiz-Echevarria G, Alvarez-Llamas G. Analysis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Reveals DNA Damage and Cell Cycle Arrest as Hallmarks in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patients. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38594816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is mainly sporadic and with higher incidence in the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) for unknown reasons. The lack of drug therapy to delay TAA progression lies in the limited knowledge of pathophysiology. We aimed to identify the molecular hallmarks that differentiate the aortic dilatation associated with BAV and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from sporadic TAA patients with BAV or TAV were analyzed by mass spectrometry. DNA oxidative damage assay and cell cycle profiling were performed in three independent cohorts supporting proteomics data. The alteration of secreted proteins was confirmed in plasma. Stress phenotype, oxidative stress, and enhanced DNA damage response (increased S-phase arrest and apoptosis) were found in BAV-TAA patients. The increased levels of plasma C1QTNF5, LAMA2, THSB3, and FAP confirm the enhanced stress in BAV-TAA. Plasma FAP and BGN point to an increased inflammatory condition in TAV. The arterial wall of BAV patients shows a limited capacity to counteract drivers of sporadic TAA. The molecular pathways identified support the need of differential molecular diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for BAV and TAV patients, showing specific markers in plasma which may serve to monitor therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Martin-Blazquez
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Martin-Lorenzo
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Angeles Heredero
- Cardiac Surgery Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Donado
- Cardiac Surgery Service, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Lopez
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Anfaiha-Sanchez
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Ruiz-Jimenez
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Esteban
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University, 28691 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus Vazquez
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gloria Alvarez-Llamas
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- RICORS2040, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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3
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Abdalla AME, Miao Y, Ahmed AIM, Meng N, Ouyang C. CAR-T cell therapeutic avenue for fighting cardiac fibrosis: Roadblocks and perspectives. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3955. [PMID: 38379220 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3955] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart diseases remain the primary cause of human mortality in the world. Although conventional therapeutic opportunities fail to halt or recover cardiac fibrosis, the promising clinical results and therapeutic efficacy of engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy show several advancements. However, the current models of CAR-T cells need further improvement since the T cells are associated with the triggering of excessive inflammatory cytokines that directly affect cardiac functions. Thus, the current study highlights the critical function of heart immune cells in tissue fibrosis and repair. The study also confirms CAR-T cell as an emerging therapeutic for treating cardiac fibrosis, explores the current roadblocks to CAR-T cell therapy, and considers future outlooks for research development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M E Abdalla
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Applied Science, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Yu Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ahmed I M Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Applied Science, University of Bahri, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ning Meng
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Chenxi Ouyang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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4
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Delgado-Arija M, Genovés P, Pérez-Carrillo L, González-Torrent I, Giménez-Escamilla I, Martínez-Dolz L, Portolés M, Tarazón E, Roselló-Lletí E. Plasma fibroblast activation protein is decreased in acute heart failure despite cardiac tissue upregulation. J Transl Med 2024; 22:124. [PMID: 38297310 PMCID: PMC10832198 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04900-w] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has an emerging role in heart failure (HF). A paradoxical reduction in its levels in pathological conditions associated with acute processes has been observed. We aimed to identify FAP cardiac tissue expression and its relationship with the main cardiac fibrosis-related signaling pathways, and to compare plasma FAP levels in acute and chronic HF patients. METHODS Transcriptomic changes were assessed via mRNA/ncRNA-seq in left ventricle tissue from HF patients (n = 57) and controls (n = 10). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to explore FAP protein levels and localization in cardiac tissue. ELISA was performed to examine plasma FAP levels in acute HF (n = 48), chronic HF (n = 15) and control samples (n = 7). RESULTS FAP overexpression in cardiac tissue is related to the expression of molecules directly involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as POSTN, THBS4, MFAP5, COL1A2 and COL3A1 (P < 0.001), and is directly and inversely related to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs, respectively. The observed FAP overexpression is not reflected in plasma. Circulating FAP levels were lower in acute HF patients than in controls (P < 0.05), while chronic HF patients did not show significant changes. The clinical variables analyzed, such as functional class or etiology, do not affect plasma FAP concentrations. CONCLUSIONS We determined that in HF cardiac tissue, FAP is related to the main cardiac fibrosis signaling pathways as well as to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs. Additionally, an acute phase of HF decreases plasma FAP levels despite the upregulation observed in cardiac tissue and regardless of other clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Delgado-Arija
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Patricia Genovés
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de València, Avd. de Blasco Ibañez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Pérez-Carrillo
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene González-Torrent
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isaac Giménez-Escamilla
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Dolz
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Heart Failure and Transplantation Unit, Cardiology Department, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Portolés
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estefanía Tarazón
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Esther Roselló-Lletí
- Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avd. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
- Center for Biomedical Research Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Avd. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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He J, Fang B, Shan S, Li Q. Mechanical stiffness promotes skin fibrosis through FAPα-AKT signaling pathway. J Dermatol Sci 2024; 113:51-61. [PMID: 38155020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.12.004] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofibroblasts contribute to the excessive production, remodeling and cross-linking of the extracellular matrix that characterizes the progression of skin fibrosis. An important insight into the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis has been the discovery that increased matrix stiffness during fibrosis progression is involved in myofibroblast activation. However, mechanistic basis for this phenomenon remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To explore the role of fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα) in mechanical stiffness-induced skin fibrosis progression. METHODS RNA-seq was performed to compare differential genes of mouse dermal fibroblasts (MDFs) grown on low or high stiffness plates. This process identified FAPα, which is a membrane protein usually overexpressed in activated fibroblasts, as a suitable candidate. In vitro assay, we investigate the role of FAPα in mechanical stiffness-induced MDFs activation and downstream pathway. By establishing mouse skin fibrosis model and intradermally administrating FAPα adeno-associated virus (AAV) or a selective Fap inhibitor FAPi, we explore the role of FAPα in skin fibrosis in vivo. RESULTS We show that FAPα, a membrane protein highly expressed in myofibroblasts of skin fibrotic tissues, is regulated by increased matrix stiffness. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of FAPα significantly inhibits mechanical stiffness-induced activation of myofibroblasts in vitro. Mechanistically, FAPα promotes myofibroblast activation by stimulating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Furthermore, we showed that administration of the inhibitor FAPi or FAPα targeted knockdown ameliorated the progression of skin fibrosis. CONCLUSION Taken together, we identify FAPα as an important driver of mechanical stiffness-induced skin fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao He
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengzhou Shan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Gehris J, Ervin C, Hawkins C, Womack S, Churillo AM, Doyle J, Sinusas AJ, Spinale FG. Fibroblast activation protein: Pivoting cancer/chemotherapeutic insight towards heart failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115914. [PMID: 37956895 PMCID: PMC10824141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115914] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
An important mechanism for cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is accompanied by the emergence and proliferation of an activated fibroblast, termed the cancer associated fibroblast (CAF). More specifically, an enzyme pathway identified to be amplified with local cancer progression and proliferation of the CAF, is fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The development and progression of heart failure (HF) irrespective of the etiology is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and changes in ECM structure and function. As with cancer, HF progression is associated with a change in LV myocardial fibroblast growth and function, and expresses a protein signature not dissimilar to the CAF. The overall goal of this review is to put forward the postulate that scientific discoveries regarding FAP in cancer as well as the development of specific chemotherapeutics could be pivoted to target the emergence of FAP in the activated fibroblast subtype and thus hold translationally relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gehris
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlie Ervin
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlotte Hawkins
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sydney Womack
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amelia M Churillo
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Doyle
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Yale University Cardiovascular Imaging Center, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States.
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Yang L, Chen Y, Huang W. What Links Chronic Kidney Disease and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy? A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis Utilizing Bulk and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data with Machine Learning. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2215. [PMID: 38004354 PMCID: PMC10672726 DOI: 10.3390/life13112215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) emerges as a substantial contributor to various cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms linking CKD and ICM remain elusive. Our study aims to unravel these connections by integrating publicly available bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Expression profiles from two ICM datasets obtained from heart tissue and one CKD with Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (CKD-PBMC) dataset were collected. We initiated by identifying shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ICM and CKD. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis shed light on the mechanisms connecting CKD to ICM. Machine learning algorithms enabled the identification of 13 candidate genes, including AGRN, COL16A1, COL1A2, FAP, FRZB, GPX3, ITIH5, NFASC, PTN, SLC38A1, STARD7, THBS2, and VPS35. Their expression patterns in ICM were investigated via scRNA-seq data analysis. Notably, most of them were enriched in fibroblasts. COL16A1, COL1A2, PTN, and FAP were enriched in scar-formation fibroblasts, while GPX3 and THBS2 showed enrichment in angiogenesis fibroblasts. A Gaussian naïve Bayes model was developed for diagnosing CKD-related ICM, bolstered by SHapley Additive exPlanations interpretability and validated internally and externally. In conclusion, our investigation unveils the extracellular matrix's role in CKD and ICM interplay, identifies 13 candidate genes, and showcases their expression patterns in ICM. We also constructed a diagnostic model using 13 gene features and presented an innovative approach for managing CKD-related ICM through serum-based diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China;
| | - Yunwei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, China;
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China;
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Zeng X, Zhao R, Wu Z, Ma Z, Cen C, Gao S, Hong W, Yao Y, Wen K, Ding S, Wang J, Lu W, Wang X, Wang T. [ 18 F] -FAPI-42 PET/CT assessment of Progressive right ventricle fibrosis under pressure overload. Respir Res 2023; 24:270. [PMID: 37932744 PMCID: PMC10626814 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02565-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Right heart failure (RHF) is a complication of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and increases the mortality independently of the underlying disease. However, the process of RHF development and progression is not fully understood. We aimed to develop effective approaches for early diagnosis and precise evaluation of RHF. METHODS Right ventricle (RV) pressure overload was performed via pulmonary artery banding (PAB) surgery in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to induce RHF. Echocardiography, right heart catheterization, histological staining, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) immunofluorescence and 18 F-labelled FAP inhibitor-42 ([18 F] -FAPI-42) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) were performed at day 3, week 1, 2, 4 and 8 after PAB. RNA sequencing was performed to explore molecular alterations between PAB and sham group at week 2 and week 4 after PAB respectively. RESULTS RV hemodynamic disorders were aggravated, and RV function was declined based on right heart catheterization and echocardiography at week 2, 4 and 8 after PAB. Progressive cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and capillary rarefaction could be observed in RV from 2 to 8 weeks after PAB. RNA sequencing indicated 80 upregulated genes and 43 downregulated genes in the RV at both week 2 and week 4 after PAB; Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that fibrosis as the most significant biological process in the RV under pressure overload. Immunofluorescence indicated that FAP was upregulated in the RV from week 2 to week 8 after PAB; and [18 F] -FAPI-42 PET/CT revealed FAPI uptake was significantly higher in RV at week 2 and further increased at week 4 and 8 after PAB. CONCLUSION RV function is progressively declined with fibrosis as the most prominent molecular change after pressure overload, and [18 F] -FAPI-42 PET/CT is as sensitive and accurate as histopathology in RV fibrosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiyue Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhixiong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoji Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunxian Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanxian Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanrong Yao
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kexin Wen
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shangwei Ding
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenju Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinlu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Xu Y, Huang Y, Cheng X, Hu B, Jiang D, Wu L, Peng S, Hu J. Mechanotransductive receptor Piezo1 as a promising target in the treatment of fibrosis diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270979. [PMID: 37900917 PMCID: PMC10602816 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270979] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis could happen in every organ, leading to organic malfunction and even organ failure, which poses a serious threat to global health. Early treatment of fibrosis has been reported to be the turning point, therefore, exploring potential correlates in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and how to reverse fibrosis has become a pressing issue. As a mechanism-sensitive cationic calcium channel, Piezo1 turns on in response to changes in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Piezo1 exerts multiple biological roles, including inhibition of inflammation, cytoskeletal stabilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal stiffness, and immune cell mechanotransduction, interestingly enough. These processes are closely associated with the development of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have shown that deletion or knockdown of Piezo1 attenuates the onset of fibrosis. Therefore, in this paper we comprehensively describe the biology of this gene, focusing on its potential relevance in pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis diseases, except for the role of drugs (agonists), increased intracellular calcium and mechanical stress using this gene in alleviating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Danling Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shengliang Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Chu L, Xie D, Xu D. Epigenetic Regulation of Fibroblasts and Crosstalk between Cardiomyocytes and Non-Myocyte Cells in Cardiac Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1382. [PMID: 37759781 PMCID: PMC10526373 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms and cell crosstalk have been shown to play important roles in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. This review article aims to provide a thorough overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in fibroblast regulation. During fibrosis, fibroblast epigenetic regulation encompasses a multitude of mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and chromatin remodeling. These mechanisms regulate the phenotype of fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix composition by modulating gene expression, thereby orchestrating the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, cardiac fibrosis disrupts normal cardiac function by imposing myocardial mechanical stress and compromising cardiac electrical conduction. This review article also delves into the intricate crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing epigenetic regulation and cell crosstalk in cardiac fibrosis is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Further research is warranted to unravel the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dachun Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 315 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China; (L.C.); (D.X.)
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Castillo-Casas JM, Caño-Carrillo S, Sánchez-Fernández C, Franco D, Lozano-Velasco E. Comparative Analysis of Heart Regeneration: Searching for the Key to Heal the Heart-Part II: Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Regeneration. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:357. [PMID: 37754786 PMCID: PMC10531542 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, among which ischemic heart disease is the most representative. Myocardial infarction results from occlusion of a coronary artery, which leads to an insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. As it is well known, the massive loss of cardiomyocytes cannot be solved due the limited regenerative ability of the adult mammalian hearts. In contrast, some lower vertebrate species can regenerate the heart after an injury; their study has disclosed some of the involved cell types, molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways during the regenerative process. In this 'two parts' review, we discuss the current state-of-the-art of the main response to achieve heart regeneration, where several processes are involved and essential for cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Castillo-Casas
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (S.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (D.F.)
| | - Sheila Caño-Carrillo
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (S.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (D.F.)
| | - Cristina Sánchez-Fernández
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (S.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (D.F.)
- Medina Foundation, 18007 Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (S.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (D.F.)
- Medina Foundation, 18007 Granada, Spain
| | - Estefanía Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (S.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (D.F.)
- Medina Foundation, 18007 Granada, Spain
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