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Bramel EE, Camejo WAE, Creamer TJ, Restrepo L, Saqib M, Bagirzadeh R, Zeng A, Mitchell JT, Stein-O’Brien GL, Pedroza AJ, Fischbein MP, Dietz HC, MacFarlane EG. Intrinsic Gata4 expression sensitizes the aortic root to dilation in a Loeys-Dietz syndrome mouse model. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4420617. [PMID: 38883722 PMCID: PMC11177966 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4420617/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an aneurysm disorder caused by mutations that decrease transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Although aneurysms develop throughout the arterial tree, the aortic root is a site of heightened risk. To identify molecular determinants of this vulnerability, we investigated the heterogeneity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the aorta of Tgfbr1 M318R/+ LDS mice by single cell and spatial transcriptomics. Reduced expression of components of the extracellular matrix-receptor apparatus and upregulation of stress and inflammatory pathways were observed in all LDS VSMCs. However, regardless of genotype, a subset of Gata4-expressing VSMCs predominantly located in the aortic root intrinsically displayed a less differentiated, proinflammatory profile. A similar population was also identified among aortic VSMCs in a human scRNAseq dataset. Postnatal VSMC-specific Gata4 deletion reduced aortic root dilation in LDS mice, suggesting that this factor sensitizes the aortic root to the effects of impaired TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Bramel
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Genomics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wendy A. Espinoza Camejo
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Genomics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tyler J. Creamer
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leda Restrepo
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Muzna Saqib
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rustam Bagirzadeh
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony Zeng
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacob T. Mitchell
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Genomics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Genevieve L. Stein-O’Brien
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Albert J. Pedroza
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael P. Fischbein
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Harry C. Dietz
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Estrada AC, Irons L, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Multiscale computational model of aortic remodeling following postnatal disruption of TGFβ signaling. J Biomech 2024; 169:112152. [PMID: 38763809 PMCID: PMC11141772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112152] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The healthy adult aorta is a remarkably resilient structure, able to resist relentless cardiac-induced and hemodynamic loads under normal conditions. Fundamental to such mechanical homeostasis is the mechano-sensitive cell signaling that controls gene products and thus the structural integrity of the wall. Mouse models have shown that smooth muscle cell-specific disruption of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling during postnatal development compromises this resiliency, rendering the aortic wall susceptible to aneurysm and dissection under normal mechanical loading. By contrast, disruption of such signaling in the adult aorta appears to introduce a vulnerability that remains hidden under normal loading, but manifests under increased loading as experienced during hypertension. We present a multiscale (transcript to tissue) computational model to examine possible reasons for compromised mechanical homeostasis in the adult aorta following reduced TGFβ signaling in smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Estrada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Linda Irons
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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3
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Ren P, Jiang B, Hassab A, Li G, Li W, Assi R, Tellides G. Heterogeneous Cardiac- and Neural Crest-Derived Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells have Similar Transcriptional Changes after TGFβ Signaling Disruption. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.28.591539. [PMID: 38746256 PMCID: PMC11092432 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.28.591539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of cardiac and neural crest origin contribute to the developing proximal aorta and are linked to disease propensity in adults. We analyzed single-cell transcriptomes of SMCs from mature thoracic aortas in mice to determine basal states and changes after disrupting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling necessary for aortic homeostasis. A minority of Myh11 lineage-marked SMCs differentially expressed genes suggestive of embryological origin. Additional analyses in Nkx2-5 and Wnt1 lineage-marked SMCs derived from cardiac and neural crest progenitors, respectively, showed both lineages contributed to a major common cluster and each lineage to a minor distinct cluster. Common cluster SMCs extended from root to arch, cardiac subset cluster SMCs from root to mid-ascending, while neural crest subset cluster SMCs were restricted to the arch. The neural crest subset cluster had greater expression of a subgroup of TGFβ-dependent genes suggesting specific responsiveness or skewed extracellular matrix synthesis. Nonetheless, deletion of TGFβ receptors in SMCs resulted in similar transcriptional changes among all clusters, primarily decreased extracellular matrix molecules and modulators of TGFβ signaling. Many embryological markers of murine aortic SMCs were not confirmed in adult human aortas. We conclude: (i) there are multiple subtypes of cardiac- and neural crest-derived SMCs with shared or distinctive transcriptional profiles, (ii) neural crest subset SMCs with increased expression of certain TGFβ-inducible genes are not spatially linked to the aortic root predisposed to aneurysms from aberrant TGFβ signaling, and (iii) loss of TGFβ responses after receptor deletion is uniform among SMCs of different embryological origins.
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Jiang B, Ren P, He C, Wang M, Murtada SI, Chen Y, Ramachandra AB, Li G, Qin L, Assi R, Schwartz MA, Humphrey JD, Tellides G. Short-Term Disruption of TGFβ Signaling in Adult Mice Renders the Aorta Vulnerable to Hypertension-Induced Dissection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590484. [PMID: 38712205 PMCID: PMC11071440 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension and transient increases in blood pressure from extreme exertion are risk factors for aortic dissection in patients with age-related vascular degeneration or inherited connective tissue disorders. Yet, the common experimental model of angiotensin II-induced aortopathy in mice appears independent of high blood pressure as lesions do not occur in response to an alternative vasoconstrictor, norepinephrine, and are not prevented by co-treatment with a vasodilator, hydralazine. We investigated vasoconstrictor administration to adult mice 1 week after disruption of TGFβ signaling in smooth muscle cells. Norepinephrine increased blood pressure and induced aortic dissection by 7 days and even within 30 minutes that was rescued by hydralazine; results were similar with angiotensin II. Changes in regulatory contractile molecule expression were not of pathological significance. Rather, reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix yielded a vulnerable aortic phenotype by decreasing medial collagen, most dynamically type XVIII, and impairing cell-matrix adhesion. We conclude that transient and sustained increases in blood pressure cause dissection in aortas rendered vulnerable by inhibition of TGFβ-driven extracellular matrix production by smooth muscle cells. A corollary is that medial fibrosis, a frequent feature of medial degeneration, may afford some protection against aortic dissection.
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Rego BV, Murtada SI, Li G, Tellides G, Humphrey JD. Multiscale insights into postnatal aortic development. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:687-701. [PMID: 38151614 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01800-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite its vital importance for establishing proper cardiovascular function, the process through which the vasculature develops and matures postnatally remains poorly understood. From a clinical perspective, an ability to mechanistically model the developmental time course in arteries and veins, as well as to predict how various pathologies and therapeutic interventions alter the affected vessels, promises to improve treatment strategies and long-term clinical outcomes, particularly in pediatric patients suffering from congenital heart defects. In the present study, we conducted a multiscale investigation into the postnatal development of the murine thoracic aorta, examining key allometric relations as well as relationships between in vivo mechanical stresses, collagen and elastin expression, and the gradual accumulation of load-bearing constituents within the aortic wall. Our findings suggest that the production of fibrillar collagens in the developing aorta associates strongly with the ratio of circumferential stresses between systole and diastole, hence emphasizing the importance of a pulsatile mechanobiological stimulus. Moreover, rates of collagen turnover and elastic fiber compaction can be inferred directly by synthesizing transcriptional data and quantitative histological measurements of evolving collagen and elastin content. Consistent with previous studies, we also observed that wall shear stresses acting on the aorta are similar at birth and in maturity, supporting the hypothesis that at least some stress targets are established early in development and maintained thereafter, thus providing a possible homeostatic basis to guide future experiments and inform future predictive modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno V Rego
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guangxin Li
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Singh AA, Shetty DK, Jacob AG, Bayraktar S, Sinha S. Understanding genomic medicine for thoracic aortic disease through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1349548. [PMID: 38440211 PMCID: PMC10910110 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1349548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic disease (TAD) is often silent until a life-threatening complication occurs. However, genetic information can inform both identification and treatment at an early stage. Indeed, a diagnosis is important for personalised surveillance and intervention plans, as well as cascade screening of family members. Currently, only 20% of heritable TAD patients have a causative mutation identified and, consequently, further advances in genetic coverage are required to define the remaining molecular landscape. The rapid expansion of next generation sequencing technologies is providing a huge resource of genetic data, but a critical issue remains in functionally validating these findings. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are patient-derived, reprogrammed cell lines which allow mechanistic insights, complex modelling of genetic disease and a platform to study aortic genetic variants. This review will address the need for iPSCs as a frontline diagnostic tool to evaluate variants identified by genomic discovery studies and explore their evolving role in biological insight through to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Sinha
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Wang Y, Panicker IS, Anesi J, Sargisson O, Atchison B, Habenicht AJR. Animal Models, Pathogenesis, and Potential Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:901. [PMID: 38255976 PMCID: PMC10815651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020901] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16-0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1-2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, derived from recent studies using these animal models, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway and the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-elastin-contractile unit. The last part discusses TAA treatment options as they emerge from recent preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutang Wang
- Discipline of Life Science, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia; (I.S.P.)
| | - Indu S. Panicker
- Discipline of Life Science, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia; (I.S.P.)
| | - Jack Anesi
- Discipline of Life Science, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia; (I.S.P.)
| | - Owen Sargisson
- Discipline of Life Science, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia; (I.S.P.)
| | - Benjamin Atchison
- Discipline of Life Science, Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia; (I.S.P.)
| | - Andreas J. R. Habenicht
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), 80336 Munich, Germany;
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Li L, Huang J, Liu Y. The extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibrillin-1 in health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1302285. [PMID: 38269088 PMCID: PMC10806136 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1302285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) is a large, cysteine-rich, calcium binding extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by FBN1 gene. It serves as a structural component of microfibrils and provides force-bearing mechanical support in elastic and nonelastic connective tissue. As such, mutations in the FBN1 gene can cause a wide variety of genetic diseases such as Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities. FBN1 also interacts with numerous microfibril-associated proteins, growth factors and cell membrane receptors, thereby mediating a wide range of biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Dysregulation of FBN1 is involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, such as cancers, cardiovascular disorders and kidney diseases. Paradoxically, both depletion and overexpression of FBN1 upregulate the bioavailability and signal transduction of TGF-β via distinct mechanisms in different settings. In this review, we summarize the structure and expression of FBN1 and present our current understanding of the functional role of FBN1 in various human diseases. This knowledge will allow to develop better strategies for therapeutic intervention of FBN1 related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
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Yu L, Huang T, Zhao J, Zhou Z, Cao Z, Chi Y, Meng S, Huang Y, Xu Y, Xia L, Jiang H, Yin Z, Wang H. Branched-chain amino acid catabolic defect in vascular smooth muscle cells drives thoracic aortic dissection via mTOR hyperactivation. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 210:25-41. [PMID: 37956909 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). Previous researches have mainly focused on dysregulation of fatty acid or glucose metabolism, while the impact of amino acids catabolic disorder in VSMCs during the development of TAD remains elusive. Here, we identified branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic defect as a metabolic hallmark of TAD. The bioinformatics analysis and data from human aorta revealed impaired BCAA catabolism in TAD individuals. This was accompanied by upregulated branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) expression and BCKD E1 subunit alpha (BCKDHA) phosphorylation, enhanced vascular inflammation, and hyperactivation of mTOR signaling. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that inhibition of BCKDK with BT2 (a BCKDK allosteric inhibitor) treatment dephosphorylated BCKDHA and re-activated BCAA catabolism, attenuated VSMCs phenotypic switching, alleviated aortic remodeling, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage and vascular inflammation. Additionally, the beneficial actions of BT2 were validated in a TNF-α challenged murine VSMC cell line. Meanwhile, rapamycin conferred similar beneficial effects against VSMC phenotypic switching, cellular ROS damage as well as inflammatory response. However, co-treatment with MHY1485 (a classic mTOR activator) reversed the beneficial effects of BT2 by reactivating mTOR signaling. Taken together, the in vivo and in vitro evidence showed that impairment of BCAA catabolism resulted in aortic accumulation of BCAA and further caused VSMC phenotypic switching, mitochondrial ROS damage and inflammatory response via mTOR hyperactivation. BCKDK and mTOR signaling may serve as the potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of TAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Jikai Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Zijun Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Zijun Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China; Graduate School, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, PR China
| | - Yanbang Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Shan Meng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China; Graduate School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, PR China
| | - Yuting Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Yinli Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Lin Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Zongtao Yin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China
| | - Huishan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, PR China.
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10
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Ishii S, Fujiwara T, Yagi H, Takeda N, Ando M, Yamauchi H, Inuzuka R, Taniguchi Y, Hatano M, Komuro I. A novel pathogenic variant located just upstream of the C-terminal Ser423-X-Ser425 phosphorylation motif in SMAD3 causing Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2257. [PMID: 37864304 PMCID: PMC10724497 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2257] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a heritable disorder of connective tissue closely related to Marfan syndrome (MFS). LDS is caused by loss-of-function variants of genes that encode components of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling; nevertheless, LDS type 1/2 caused by TGFBR1/2 pathogenic variants is frequently found to have paradoxical increases in TGF-β signaling in the aneurysmal aortic wall. Here, we present a Japanese LDS family having a novel SMAD3 variant. METHODS The proband was tested via clinical, genetic, and histological analyses. In vitro analysis was performed for pathogenic evaluation. RESULTS The novel heterozygous missense variant of SMAD3 [c.1262G>A, p.(Cys421Tyr)], located just upstream of the C-terminal Ser423-X-Ser425 phosphorylation motif, was found in this instance of LDS type 3. This variant led to reduced phospho-SMAD3 (Ser423/Ser425) levels and transcription activity in vitro; however, a paradoxical upregulation of TGF-β signaling was evident in the aortic wall. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the presence of TGF-β paradox in this case with the novel loss-of-function SMAD3 variant. The precise mechanism underlying the paradox is unknown, but further research is warranted to clarify the influence of the SMAD3 variant type and location on the LDS3 phenotype as well as the molecular mechanism leading to LDS3 aortopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ishii
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Takayuki Fujiwara
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of Computational Diagnostic Radiology and Preventive MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroki Yagi
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Norifumi Takeda
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Masahiko Ando
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of Cardiac SurgeryThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Haruo Yamauchi
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of Cardiac SurgeryThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Ryo Inuzuka
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of PediatricsThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Yuki Taniguchi
- Marfan Syndrome CenterThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Masaru Hatano
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of Advanced Medical Center for Heart FailureThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
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11
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Cho MJ, Lee MR, Park JG. Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2519-2530. [PMID: 38036736 PMCID: PMC10766996 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01130-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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a chronic disease characterized by localized expansion of the aorta, including the ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. Although aortic aneurysms are generally asymptomatic, they can threaten human health by sudden death due to aortic rupture. Aortic aneurysms are estimated to lead to 150,000 ~ 200,000 deaths per year worldwide. Currently, there are no effective drugs to prevent the growth or rupture of aortic aneurysms; surgical repair or endovascular repair is the only option for treating this condition. The pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets for aortic aneurysms have been examined over the past decade; however, there are unknown pathogenic mechanisms involved in cellular heterogeneity and plasticity, the complexity of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, inflammation, cell death, intramural neovascularization, and intercellular communication. This review summarizes the latest research findings and current pathogenic mechanisms of aortic aneurysms, which may enhance our understanding of aortic aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ji Cho
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ran Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Jungwon University, 85 Munmu-ro, Goesan-eup, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, 28024, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Gil Park
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Bioscience, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Deleeuw V, Carlson E, Renard M, Zientek KD, Wilmarth PA, Reddy AP, Manalo EC, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Olbinado M, Stampanoni M, Kanki S, Yanagisawa H, Mosquera LM, Sips P, De Backer J, Sakai LY. Unraveling the role of TGFβ signaling in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection using Fbn1 mutant mouse models. Matrix Biol 2023; 123:17-33. [PMID: 37683955 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.09.001] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Although abnormal TGFβ signaling is observed in several heritable forms of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections including Marfan syndrome, its precise role in aortic disease progression is still disputed. Using a mouse genetic approach and quantitative isobaric labeling proteomics, we sought to elucidate the role of TGFβ signaling in three Fbn1 mutant mouse models representing a range of aortic disease from microdissection (without aneurysm) to aneurysm (without rupture) to aneurysm and rupture. Results indicated that reduced TGFβ signaling and increased mast cell proteases were associated with microdissection. In contrast, increased abundance of extracellular matrix proteins, which could be reporters for positive TGFβ signaling, were associated with aneurysm. Marked reductions in collagens and fibrillins, and increased TGFβ signaling, were associated with aortic rupture. Our data indicate that TGFβ signaling performs context-dependent roles in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violette Deleeuw
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Eric Carlson
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Marjolijn Renard
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent B-9000, Belgium; Shriners Children's Hospital, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Keith D Zientek
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, OR 97239, United States
| | - Phillip A Wilmarth
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, OR 97239, United States
| | - Ashok P Reddy
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, OR 97239, United States
| | - Elise C Manalo
- Shriners Children's Hospital, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Sara F Tufa
- Shriners Children's Hospital, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Shriners Children's Hospital, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Margie Olbinado
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stampanoni
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Sachiko Kanki
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2-7 Daigaku-machi, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-0801 Japan
| | - Hiromi Yanagisawa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, The University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Laura Muiño Mosquera
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Patrick Sips
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Julie De Backer
- Department of Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Lynn Y Sakai
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
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13
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Waldron C, Zafar MA, Ziganshin BA, Weininger G, Grewal N, Elefteriades JA. Evidence Accumulates: Patients with Ascending Aneurysms Are Strongly Protected from Atherosclerotic Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15640. [PMID: 37958625 PMCID: PMC10650782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115640] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms may be fatal upon rupture or dissection and remain a leading cause of death in the developed world. Understanding the pathophysiology of the development of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms may help reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the protective relationship between ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and the development of atherosclerosis, including decreased carotid intima-media thickness, low-density lipoprotein levels, coronary and aortic calcification, and incidence of myocardial infarction. We also propose several possible mechanisms driving this relationship, including matrix metalloproteinase proteins and transforming growth factor-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Waldron
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (C.W.); (M.A.Z.); (B.A.Z.)
| | - Mohammad A. Zafar
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (C.W.); (M.A.Z.); (B.A.Z.)
| | - Bulat A. Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (C.W.); (M.A.Z.); (B.A.Z.)
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery, Kazan State Medical University, 420012 Kazan, Russia
| | - Gabe Weininger
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (C.W.); (M.A.Z.); (B.A.Z.)
| | - Nimrat Grewal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - John A. Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (C.W.); (M.A.Z.); (B.A.Z.)
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14
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Nagesh PT, Nishi H, Rawal S, Zahr T, Miano JM, Sorci-Thomas M, Xu H, Akbar N, Choudhury RP, Misra A, Fisher EA. HDL regulates TGFß-receptor lipid raft partitioning, restoring contractile features of cholesterol-loaded vascular smooth muscle cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.562786. [PMID: 37905061 PMCID: PMC10614922 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.562786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Cholesterol-loading of mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (mVSMCs) downregulates miR-143/145, a master regulator of the contractile state downstream of TGFβ signaling. In vitro, this results in transitioning from a contractile mVSMC to a macrophage-like state. This process likely occurs in vivo based on studies in mouse and human atherosclerotic plaques. Objectives To test whether cholesterol-loading reduces VSMC TGFβ signaling and if cholesterol efflux will restore signaling and the contractile state in vitro and in vivo. Methods Human coronary artery (h)VSMCs were cholesterol-loaded, then treated with HDL (to promote cholesterol efflux). For in vivo studies, partial conditional deletion of Tgfβr2 in lineage-traced VSMC mice was induced. Mice wild-type for VSMC Tgfβr2 or partially deficient (Tgfβr2+/-) were made hypercholesterolemic to establish atherosclerosis. Mice were then treated with apoA1 (which forms HDL). Results Cholesterol-loading of hVSMCs downregulated TGFβ signaling and contractile gene expression; macrophage markers were induced. TGFβ signaling positively regulated miR-143/145 expression, increasing Acta2 expression and suppressing KLF4. Cholesterol-loading localized TGFβ receptors into lipid rafts, with consequent TGFβ signaling downregulation. Notably, in cholesterol-loaded hVSMCs HDL particles displaced receptors from lipid rafts and increased TGFβ signaling, resulting in enhanced miR-145 expression and decreased KLF4-dependent macrophage features. ApoA1 infusion into Tgfβr2+/- mice restored Acta2 expression and decreased macrophage-marker expression in plaque VSMCs, with evidence of increased TGFβ signaling. Conclusions Cholesterol suppresses TGFβ signaling and the contractile state in hVSMC through partitioning of TGFβ receptors into lipid rafts. These changes can be reversed by promotion of cholesterol efflux, consistent with evidence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Thevkar Nagesh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Hitoo Nishi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Shruti Rawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tarik Zahr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Mary Sorci-Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Naveed Akbar
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin P Choudhury
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashish Misra
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edward A Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and Cardiovascular Research Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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15
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Lei C, Kan H, Xian X, Chen W, Xiang W, Song X, Wu J, Yang D, Zheng Y. FAM3A reshapes VSMC fate specification in abdominal aortic aneurysm by regulating KLF4 ubiquitination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5360. [PMID: 37660071 PMCID: PMC10475135 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41177-x] [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: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation plays an essential role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We explore the expression of FAM3A, a newly identified metabolic cytokine, and whether and how FAM3A regulates VSMC differentiation in AAA. We discover that FAM3A is decreased in the aortas and plasma in AAA patients and murine models. Overexpression or supplementation of FAM3A significantly attenuate the AAA formation, manifested by maintenance of the well-differentiated VSMC status and inhibition of VSMC transformation toward macrophage-, chondrocyte-, osteogenic-, mesenchymal-, and fibroblast-like cell subpopulations. Importantly, FAM3A induces KLF4 ubiquitination and reduces its phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Here, we report FAM3A as a VSMC fate-shaping regulator in AAA and reveal the underlying mechanism associated with KLF4 ubiquitination and stability, which may lead to the development of strategies based on FAM3A to restore VSMC homeostasis in AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuxiang Lei
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Haoxuan Kan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiangyu Xian
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenlin Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenxuan Xiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaohong Song
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Yuehong Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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16
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Asta L, D’Angelo GA, Marinelli D, Benedetto U. Genetic Basis, New Diagnostic Approaches, and Updated Therapeutic Strategies of the Syndromic Aortic Diseases: Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6615. [PMID: 37623198 PMCID: PMC10454608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Syndromic aortic diseases (SADs) encompass various pathological manifestations affecting the aorta caused by known genetic factors, such as aneurysms, dissections, and ruptures. However, the genetic mutation underlying aortic pathology also gives rise to clinical manifestations affecting other vessels and systems. As a consequence, the main syndromes currently identified as Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos are characterized by a complex clinical picture. In this contribution, we provide an overview of the genetic mutations currently identified in order to have a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms. Moreover, an update is presented on the basis of the most recent diagnostic criteria, which enable an early diagnosis. Finally, therapeutic strategies are proposed with the goal of improving the rates of patient survival and the quality of life of those affected by these SADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Asta
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca A. D’Angelo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, SS Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.A.D.); (D.M.); (U.B.)
| | - Daniele Marinelli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, SS Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.A.D.); (D.M.); (U.B.)
| | - Umberto Benedetto
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, SS Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.A.D.); (D.M.); (U.B.)
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17
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Sachan N, Phoon CKL, Zilberberg L, Kugler MC, Ene T, Mintz SB, Murtada SI, Weiss D, Fishman GI, Humphrey JD, Rifkin DB. TGFβ-2 haploinsufficiency causes early death in mice with Marfan syndrome. Matrix Biol 2023; 121:41-55. [PMID: 37217119 PMCID: PMC10527763 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To assess the contribution of individual TGF-β isoforms to aortopathy in Marfan syndrome (MFS), we quantified the survival and phenotypes of mice with a combined fibrillin1 (the gene defective in MFS) hypomorphic mutation and a TGF-β1, 2, or 3 heterozygous null mutation. The loss of TGF-β2, and only TGF-β2, resulted in 80% of the double mutant animals dying earlier, by postnatal day 20, than MFS only mice. Death was not from thoracic aortic rupture, as observed in MFS mice, but was associated with hyperplastic aortic valve leaflets, aortic regurgitation, enlarged aortic root, increased heart weight, and impaired lung alveolar septation. Thus, there appears to be a relationship between loss of fibrillin1 and TGF-β2 in the postnatal development of the heart, aorta and lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalani Sachan
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Colin K L Phoon
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Lior Zilberberg
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Matthias C Kugler
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Taylor Ene
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Shana B Mintz
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Dar Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Glenn I Fishman
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniel B Rifkin
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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18
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Hu Y, Cai Z, He B. Smooth Muscle Heterogeneity and Plasticity in Health and Aortic Aneurysmal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11701. [PMID: 37511460 PMCID: PMC10380637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411701] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the medial layer of the aorta, which plays a critical role in the maintenance of aortic wall integrity. VSMCs have been suggested to have contractile and synthetic phenotypes and undergo phenotypic switching to contribute to the deteriorating aortic wall structure. Recently, the unprecedented heterogeneity and diversity of VSMCs and their complex relationship to aortic aneurysms (AAs) have been revealed by high-resolution research methods, such as lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing. The aortic wall consists of VSMCs from different embryonic origins that respond unevenly to genetic defects that directly or indirectly regulate VSMC contractile phenotype. This difference predisposes to hereditary AAs in the aortic root and ascending aorta. Several VSMC phenotypes with different functions, for example, secreting VSMCs, proliferative VSMCs, mesenchymal stem cell-like VSMCs, immune-related VSMCs, proinflammatory VSMCs, senescent VSMCs, and stressed VSMCs are identified in non-hereditary AAs. The transformation of VSMCs into different phenotypes is an adaptive response to deleterious stimuli but can also trigger pathological remodeling that exacerbates the pathogenesis and development of AAs. This review is intended to contribute to the understanding of VSMC diversity in health and aneurysmal diseases. Papers that give an update on VSMC phenotype diversity in health and aneurysmal disease are summarized and recent insights on the role of VSMCs in AAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwen Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhaohua Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ben He
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
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19
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Nakamura K, Dalal AR, Yokoyama N, Pedroza AJ, Kusadokoro S, Mitchel O, Gilles C, Masoudian B, Leipzig M, Casey KM, Hiesinger W, Uchida T, Fischbein MP. Lineage-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Smooth Muscle Cell Modeling Predicts Integrin Alpha-V Antagonism Reduces Aortic Root Aneurysm Formation in Marfan Syndrome Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:1134-1153. [PMID: 37078287 PMCID: PMC10330156 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of increased smooth muscle cell (SMC) integrin αv signaling in Marfan syndrome (MFS) aortic aneurysm remains unclear. Herein, we examine the mechanism and potential efficacy of integrin αv blockade as a therapeutic strategy to reduce aneurysm progression in MFS. METHODS Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into aortic SMCs of the second heart field (SHF) and neural crest (NC) lineages, enabling in vitro modeling of MFS thoracic aortic aneurysms. The pathological role of integrin αv during aneurysm formation was confirmed by blockade of integrin αv with GLPG0187 in Fbn1C1039G/+ MFS mice. RESULTS iPSC-derived MFS SHF SMCs overexpress integrin αv relative to MFS NC and healthy control SHF cells. Furthermore, integrin αv downstream targets (FAK [focal adhesion kinase]/AktThr308/mTORC1 [mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1]) were activated, especially in MFS SHF. Treatment of MFS SHF SMCs with GLPG0187 reduced p-FAK/p-AktThr308/mTORC1 activity back to control SHF levels. Functionally, MFS SHF SMCs had increased proliferation and migration compared to MFS NC SMCs and control SMCs, which normalized with GLPG0187 treatment. In the Fbn1C1039G/+ MFS mouse model, integrin αv, p-AktThr308, and downstream targets of mTORC1 proteins were elevated in the aortic root/ascending segment compared to littermate wild-type control. Mice treated with GLPG0187 (age 6-14 weeks) had reduced aneurysm growth, elastin fragmentation, and reduction of the FAK/AktThr308/mTORC1 pathway. GLPG0187 treatment reduced the amount and severity of SMC modulation assessed by single-cell RNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS The integrin αv-FAK-AktThr308 signaling pathway is activated in iPSC SMCs from MFS patients, specifically from the SHF lineage. Mechanistically, this signaling pathway promotes SMC proliferation and migration in vitro. As biological proof of concept, GLPG0187 treatment slowed aneurysm growth and p-AktThr308 signaling in Fbn1C1039G/+ mice. Integrin αv blockade via GLPG0187 may be a promising therapeutic approach to inhibit MFS aneurysmal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nakamura
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Alex R. Dalal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Nobu Yokoyama
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Albert J. Pedroza
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Sho Kusadokoro
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Olivia Mitchel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Casey Gilles
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Bahar Masoudian
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Matthew Leipzig
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Kerriann M. Casey
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - William Hiesinger
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
| | - Tetsuro Uchida
- Second Department of Surgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine. Yamagata, Japan
| | - Michael P. Fischbein
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford CA, USA
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20
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Esobi IC, Oladosu O, Echesabal-Chen J, Powell RR, Bruce T, Stamatikos A. miR-33a Expression Attenuates ABCA1-Dependent Cholesterol Efflux and Promotes Macrophage-Like Cell Transdifferentiation in Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Lipids 2023; 2023:8241899. [PMID: 37359759 PMCID: PMC10289877 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8241899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the majority of cholesterol-laden cells found in atherosclerotic lesions are vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that have transdifferentiated into macrophage-like cells (MLC). Furthermore, cholesterol-laden MLC of VSMC origin have demonstrated impaired ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux, but it is poorly understood why this occurs. A possible mechanism which may at least partially be attributed to cholesterol-laden MLC demonstrating attenuated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux is a miR-33a expression, as a primary function of this microRNA is to silence ABCA1 expression, but this has yet to be rigorously investigated. Therefore, the VSMC line MOVAS cells were used to generate miR-33a knockout (KO) MOVAS cells, and we used KO and wild-type (WT) MOVAS cells to delineate any possible proatherogenic role of miR-33a expression in VSMC. When WT and KO MOVAS cells were cholesterol-loaded to convert into MLC, this resulted in the WT MOVAS cells to exhibit impaired ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux. In the cholesterol-loaded WT MOVAS MLC, we also observed a delayed restoration of the VSMC phenotype when these cells were exposed to the ABCA1 cholesterol acceptor, apoAI. These results imply that miR-33a expression in VSMC drives atherosclerosis by triggering MLC transdifferentiation via attenuated ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikechukwu C. Esobi
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Oladosu
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jing Echesabal-Chen
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Rhonda R. Powell
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Terri Bruce
- Clemson Light Imaging Facility, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Alexis Stamatikos
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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21
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Muñoz-Sáez E, Moracho N, Learte AIR, Collignon A, Arroyo AG, Noel A, Sounni NE, Sánchez-Camacho C. Molecular Mechanisms Driven by MT4-MMP in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9944. [PMID: 37373092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129944] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MT4-MMP (or MMP-17) belongs to the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs), a distinct subset of the MMP family that is anchored to the cell surface, in this case by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) motif. Its expression in a variety of cancers is well documented. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MT4-MMP contributes to tumor development need further investigation. In this review, we aim to summarize the contribution of MT4-MMP in tumorigenesis, focusing on the molecular mechanisms triggered by the enzyme in tumor cell migration, invasiveness, and proliferation, in the tumor vasculature and microenvironment, as well as during metastasis. In particular, we highlight the putative substrates processed and signaling cascades activated by MT4-MMP that may underlie these malignancy processes and compare this with what is known about its role during embryonic development. Finally, MT4-MMP is a relevant biomarker of malignancy that can be used for monitoring cancer progression in patients as well as a potential target for future therapeutic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Muñoz-Sáez
- Department of Health Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Moracho
- Department of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I R Learte
- Department of Dentistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Collignon
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA Cancer, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
- Cancer Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment Group, GIGA Cancer, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Alicia G Arroyo
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agnés Noel
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA Cancer, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nor Eddine Sounni
- Laboratory of Biology of Tumor and Developmental Biology, GIGA Cancer, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
- Cancer Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment Group, GIGA Cancer, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Cristina Sánchez-Camacho
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Chen PY, Qin L, Simons M. TGFβ signaling pathways in human health and disease. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1113061. [PMID: 37325472 PMCID: PMC10267471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1113061] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is named for the function it was originally discovered to perform-transformation of normal cells into aggressively growing malignant cells. It became apparent after more than 30 years of research, however, that TGFβ is a multifaceted molecule with a myriad of different activities. TGFβs are widely expressed with almost every cell in the human body producing one or another TGFβ family member and expressing its receptors. Importantly, specific effects of this growth factor family differ in different cell types and under different physiologic and pathologic conditions. One of the more important and critical TGFβ activities is the regulation of cell fate, especially in the vasculature, that will be the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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23
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Chen M, Cavinato C, Hansen J, Tanaka K, Ren P, Hassab A, Li DS, Youshao E, Tellides G, Iyengar R, Humphrey JD, Schwartz MA. FN (Fibronectin)-Integrin α5 Signaling Promotes Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e132-e150. [PMID: 36994727 PMCID: PMC10133209 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marfan syndrome, caused by mutations in the gene for fibrillin-1, leads to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and ECM (extracellular matrix) remodeling are characteristic of both nonsyndromic and Marfan aneurysms. The ECM protein FN (fibronectin) is elevated in the tunica media of TAAs and amplifies inflammatory signaling in endothelial and SMCs through its main receptor, integrin α5β1. We investigated the role of integrin α5-specific signals in Marfan mice in which the cytoplasmic domain of integrin α5 was replaced with that of integrin α2 (denoted α5/2 chimera). METHODS We crossed α5/2 chimeric mice with Fbn1mgR/mgR mice (mgR model of Marfan syndrome) to evaluate the survival rate and pathogenesis of TAAs among wild-type, α5/2, mgR, and α5/2 mgR mice. Further biochemical and microscopic analysis of porcine and mouse aortic SMCs investigated molecular mechanisms by which FN affects SMCs and subsequent development of TAAs. RESULTS FN was elevated in the thoracic aortas from Marfan patients, in nonsyndromic aneurysms, and in mgR mice. The α5/2 mutation greatly prolonged survival of Marfan mice, with improved elastic fiber integrity, mechanical properties, SMC density, and SMC contractile gene expression. Furthermore, plating of wild-type SMCs on FN decreased contractile gene expression and activated inflammatory pathways whereas α5/2 SMCs were resistant. These effects correlated with increased NF-kB activation in cultured SMCs and mgR aortas, which was alleviated by the α5/2 mutation or NF-kB inhibition. CONCLUSIONS FN-integrin α5 signaling is a significant driver of TAA in the mgR mouse model. This pathway thus warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.C., K.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (C.C., D.S.L., E.Y., J.D.H., M.A.S.)
| | - Jens Hansen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (J.H., R.I.)
| | - Keiichiro Tanaka
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.C., K.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery (P.R., A.H., G.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Abdulrahman Hassab
- Department of Surgery (P.R., A.H., G.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - David S Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (C.C., D.S.L., E.Y., J.D.H., M.A.S.)
| | - Eric Youshao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (C.C., D.S.L., E.Y., J.D.H., M.A.S.)
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery (P.R., A.H., G.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (G.T., J.D.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (J.H., R.I.)
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (G.T., J.D.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (C.C., D.S.L., E.Y., J.D.H., M.A.S.)
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Cardiovascular Research Center (M.C., K.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Surgery (P.R., A.H., G.T., M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Departments of Medicine (Cardiology) and Cell Biology (M.A.S.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (C.C., D.S.L., E.Y., J.D.H., M.A.S.)
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Dong K, He X, Hu G, Yao Y, Zhou J. Coronary Artery Disease Risk Gene PRDM16 is Preferentially Expressed in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and a Potential Novel Regulator of Smooth Muscle Homeostasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535461. [PMID: 37066230 PMCID: PMC10104006 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the primary contractile component of blood vessels and can undergo phenotypic switching from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype in vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD). This process leads to decreased expression of SMC lineage genes and increased proliferative, migratory and secretory abilities that drive disease progression. Super-enhancers (SE) and occupied transcription factors are believed to drive expression of genes that maintain cell identify and homeostasis. The goal of this study is to identify novel regulator of VSMC homeostasis by screening for SE-regulated transcription factors in arterial tissues. Approach and Results We characterized human artery SEs by analyzing the enhancer histone mark H3K27ac ChIP-seq data of multiple arterial tissues. We unexpectedly discovered the transcription factor PRDM16, a GWAS identified CAD risk gene with previously well-documented roles in brown adipocytes but with an unknown function in vascular disease progression, is enriched with artery-specific SEs. Further analysis of public bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq datasets, as well as qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, demonstrated that PRDM16 is preferentially expressed in arterial tissues and in contractile VSMCs but not in visceral SMCs, and down-regulated in phenotypically modulated VSMCs. To explore the function of Prdm16 in vivo, we generated Prdm16 SMC-specific knockout mice and performed histological and bulk RNA-Seq analysis of aortic tissues. SMC-deficiency of Prdm16 does not affect the aortic morphology but significantly alters expression of many CAD risk genes and genes involved in VSMC phenotypic modulation. Specifically, Prdm16 negatively regulates the expression of Tgfb2 that encodes for an upstream ligand of TGF-β signaling pathway, potentially through binding to the promoter region of Tgfb2 . These transcriptomic changes likely disrupt VSMC homeostasis and predispose VSMCs to a disease state. Conclusions Our results suggest that the CAD risk gene PRDM16 is preferentially expressed in VSMCs and is a novel regulator of VSMC homeostasis. Future studies are warranted to investigate its role in VSMCs under pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis.
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25
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Murtada SI, Mikush N, Wang M, Ren P, Kawamura Y, Ramachandra AB, Li DS, Braddock DT, Tellides G, Gordon LB, Humphrey JD. Lonafarnib improves cardiovascular function and survival in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. eLife 2023; 12:82728. [PMID: 36930696 PMCID: PMC10023154 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials have demonstrated that lonafarnib, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, extends the lifespan in patients afflicted by Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a devastating condition that accelerates many characteristics of aging and results in premature death due to cardiovascular sequelae. The US Food and Drug Administration approved Zokinvy (lonafarnib) in November 2020 for treating these patients, yet a detailed examination of drug-associated effects on cardiovascular structure, properties, and function has remained wanting. In this paper, we report encouraging outcomes of daily post-weaning treatment with lonafarnib on the composition and biomechanical phenotype of elastic and muscular arteries as well as associated cardiac function in a well-accepted mouse model of progeria that exhibits severe perimorbid cardiovascular disease. Lonafarnib resulted in 100% survival of the treated progeria mice to the study end-point (time of 50% survival of untreated mice), with associated improvements in arterial structure and function working together to significantly reduce pulse wave velocity and improve left ventricular diastolic function. By contrast, neither treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin alone nor dual treatment with lonafarnib plus rapamycin improved outcomes over that achieved with lonafarnib monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Nicole Mikush
- Translational Research Imaging Center, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Yuki Kawamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | | | - David S Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | | | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Leslie B Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Warren Albert Medical School, Brown UniversityProvidenceUnited States
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
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26
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Dong CX, Malecki C, Robertson E, Hambly B, Jeremy R. Molecular Mechanisms in Genetic Aortopathy-Signaling Pathways and Potential Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021795. [PMID: 36675309 PMCID: PMC9865322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic disease affects people of all ages and the majority of those aged <60 years have an underlying genetic cause. There is presently no effective medical therapy for thoracic aneurysm and surgery remains the principal intervention. Unlike abdominal aortic aneurysm, for which the inflammatory/atherosclerotic pathogenesis is well established, the mechanism of thoracic aneurysm is less understood. This paper examines the key cell signaling systems responsible for the growth and development of the aorta, homeostasis of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and interactions between pathways. The evidence supporting a role for individual signaling pathways in pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm is examined and potential novel therapeutic approaches are reviewed. Several key signaling pathways, notably TGF-β, WNT, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT and ANGII contribute to growth, proliferation, cell phenotype and survival for both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. There is crosstalk between pathways, and between vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, with both synergistic and antagonistic interactions. A common feature of the activation of each is response to injury or abnormal cell stress. Considerable experimental evidence supports a contribution of each of these pathways to aneurysm formation. Although human information is less, there is sufficient data to implicate each pathway in the pathogenesis of human thoracic aneurysm. As some pathways i.e., WNT and NOTCH, play key roles in tissue growth and organogenesis in early life, it is possible that dysregulation of these pathways results in an abnormal aortic architecture even in infancy, thereby setting the stage for aneurysm development in later life. Given the fine tuning of these signaling systems, functional polymorphisms in key signaling elements may set up a future risk of thoracic aneurysm. Multiple novel therapeutic agents have been developed, targeting cell signaling pathways, predominantly in cancer medicine. Future investigations addressing cell specific targeting, reduced toxicity and also less intense treatment effects may hold promise for effective new medical treatments of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Xue Dong
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Cassandra Malecki
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Robertson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brett Hambly
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richmond Jeremy
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Jadli AS, Ballasy NN, Gomes KP, Mackay CDA, Meechem M, Wijesuriya TM, Belke D, Thompson J, Fedak PWM, Patel VB. Attenuation of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching by Angiotensin 1-7 Protects against Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415566. [PMID: 36555207 PMCID: PMC9779869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) involves extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the aortic wall, leading to reduced biomechanical support with risk of aortic dissection and rupture. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and resultant angiotensin (Ang) II synthesis, is critically involved in the onset and progression of TAA. The current study investigated the effects of angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 on a murine model of TAA. Male 8-10-week-old ApoEKO mice were infused with Ang II (1.44 mg/kg/day) and treated with Ang 1-7 (0.576 mg/kg/day). ApoEKO mice developed advanced TAA in response to four weeks of Ang II infusion. Echocardiographic and histological analyses demonstrated increased aortic dilatation, excessive structural remodelling, perivascular fibrosis, and inflammation in the thoracic aorta. Ang 1-7 infusion led to attenuation of pathological phenotypic alterations associated with Ang II-induced TAA. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) isolated from adult murine thoracic aorta exhibited excessive mitochondrial fission, oxidative stress, and hyperproliferation in response to Ang II. Treatment with Ang 1-7 resulted in inhibition of mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS generation, and hyperproliferation. Gene expression profiling used for characterization of the contractile and synthetic phenotypes of thoracic aortic SMCs revealed preservation of the contractile phenotype with Ang 1-7 treatment. In conclusion, Ang 1-7 prevented Ang II-induced vascular remodeling and the development of TAA. Enhancing Ang 1-7 actions may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay the progression of TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul S. Jadli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Noura N. Ballasy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Karina P. Gomes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Cameron D. A. Mackay
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Megan Meechem
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tishani Methsala Wijesuriya
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Darrell Belke
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Thompson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Paul W. M. Fedak
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B. Patel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-(403)-220-3446
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李 芷, 俞 冰, 蔡 泽, 王 迎, 张 煦, 周 彪, 方 晓, 于 芳, 付 毅, 孙 金, 李 伟, 孔 炜. [Naringenin inhibits thoracic aortic aneurysm formation in mice with Marfan syndrome]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54:896-906. [PMID: 36241232 PMCID: PMC9568379 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify whether naringenin plays a protective role during thoracic aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome. METHODS To validate the effect of naringenin, Fbn1C1039G/+ mice, the mouse model of Marfan syndrome, were fed with naringenin, and the disease progress was evaluated. The molecular mechanism of naringenin was further investigated via in vitro studies, such as bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), atomic force microscope and radioligand receptor binding assay. RESULTS Six-week-old Fbn1C1039G/+ mice were fed with naringenin for 20 weeks. Compared with the control group, naringenin significantly suppressed the aortic expansion [Fbn1C1039G/+ vs. Fbn1C1039G/++naringenin: (2.49±0.47) mm, n=18 vs. (1.87±0.19) mm, n=22, P < 0.05], the degradation of elastin, and the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in the ascending aorta of Fbn1C1039G/+ mice. Besides, treatment with naringenin for 6 weeks also attenuated the disease progress among the 20-week-old Fbn1C1039G/+ mice with established thoracic aortic aneurysms [Fbn1C1039G/+ vs. Fbn1C1039G/++naringenin: (2.24±0.23) mm, n=8 vs. (1.90±0.17) mm, n=8, P < 0.05]. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the effects of naringenin on angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1) signaling and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling respectively, which were the dominant signaling pathways contributing to aortopathy in Marfan syndrome as previously reported. The results showed that naringenin decreased angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in HEK293A cell overexpressing AT1 receptor. Moreover, naringenin inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced calcium mobilization and uclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling. The internalization of AT1 receptor and its binding to β-arrestin-2 with Ang Ⅱ induction were also suppressed by naringenin. As evidenced by atomic force microscope and radioligand receptor binding assay, naringenin inhibited Ang Ⅱ binding to AT1 receptor. In terms of TGF-β signaling, we found that feeding the mice with naringenin decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2 and ERK1/2 as well as the expression of TGF-β downstream genes. Besides, the serum level of TGF-β was also decreased by naringenin in the Fbn1C1039G/+ mice. Furthermore, we detected the effect of naringenin on platelet, a rich source of TGF-β, both in vivo and in vitro. And we found that naringenin markedly decreased the TGF-β level by inhibiting the activation of platelet. CONCLUSION Our study showed that naringenin has a protective effect on thoracic aortic aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome by suppressing both AT1 and TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- 芷晴 李
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 冰 俞
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 泽宇 蔡
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 迎宝 王
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 煦 张
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 彪 周
- 中日友好医院普外科,北京 100029Department of General Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - 晓红 方
- 中国科学院化学研究所,北京 100190Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - 芳 于
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 毅 付
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 金鹏 孙
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 伟 李
- 北京大学人民医院血管外科,北京 100044Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 炜 孔
- 北京大学基础医学院生理学与病理生理学系,北京 100191Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
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Sawada H, Ohno-Urabe S, Ye D, Franklin MK, Moorleghen JJ, Howatt DA, Mullick AE, Daugherty A, Lu HS. Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System Fails to Suppress β-Aminopropionitrile-Induced Thoracic Aortopathy in Mice-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:1254-1261. [PMID: 36004642 PMCID: PMC9492637 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317712] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-linking of lysine residues in elastic and collagen fibers is a vital process in aortic development. Inhibition of lysyl oxidase by BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile) leads to thoracic aortopathies in mice. Although the renin-angiotensin system contributes to several types of thoracic aortopathies, it remains unclear whether inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system protects against aortopathy caused by the impairment of elastic fiber/collagen crosslinking. METHODS BAPN (0.5% wt/vol) was started in drinking water to induce aortopathies in male C57BL/6J mice at 4 weeks of age for 4 weeks. Five approaches were used to investigate the impact of the renin-angiotensin system. Bulk RNA sequencing was performed to explore potential molecular mechanisms of BAPN-induced thoracic aortopathies. RESULTS Losartan increased plasma renin concentrations significantly, compared with vehicle-infused mice, indicating effective angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibition. However, losartan did not suppress BAPN-induced aortic rupture and dilatation. Since losartan is a surmountable inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system, irbesartan, an insurmountable inhibitor, was also tested. Although increased plasma renin concentrations indicated effective inhibition, irbesartan did not ameliorate aortic rupture and dilatation in BAPN-administered mice. Thus, BAPN-induced thoracic aortopathies were refractory to angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade. Next, we inhibited angiotensin II production by pharmacological or genetic depletion of AGT (angiotensinogen), the unique precursor of angiotensin II. However, neither suppressed BAPN-induced thoracic aortic rupture and dilatation. Aortic RNA sequencing revealed molecular changes during BAPN administration that were distinct from other types of aortopathies in which angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibition protects against aneurysm formation. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of either angiotensin II action or production of the renin-angiotensin system does not attenuate BAPN-induced thoracic aortopathies in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Satoko Ohno-Urabe
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Dien Ye
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Michael K. Franklin
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Jessica J. Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Deborah A. Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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30
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Ito S, Lu HS, Daugherty A, Sawada H. Embryonic Heterogeneity of Smooth Muscle Cells in the Complex Mechanisms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091618. [PMID: 36140786 PMCID: PMC9498804 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the major cell type of the aortic wall and play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). TAAs occur in a region-specific manner with the proximal region being a common location. In this region, SMCs are derived embryonically from either the cardiac neural crest or the second heart field. These cells of distinct origins reside in specific locations and exhibit different biological behaviors in the complex mechanism of TAAs. The purpose of this review is to enhance understanding of the embryonic heterogeneity of SMCs in the proximal thoracic aorta and their functions in TAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohei Ito
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(859)-218-1705
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31
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Taniguchi R, Ohashi Y, Lee JS, Hu H, Gonzalez L, Zhang W, Langford J, Matsubara Y, Yatsula B, Tellides G, Fahmy TM, Hoshina K, Dardik A. Endothelial Cell TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta) Signaling Regulates Venous Adaptive Remodeling to Improve Arteriovenous Fistula Patency. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:868-883. [PMID: 35510552 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the gold standard for vascular access for hemodialysis. Although the vein must thicken and dilate for successful hemodialysis, excessive wall thickness leads to stenosis causing AVF failure. Since TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta) regulates ECM (extracellular matrix) deposition and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation-critical components of wall thickness-we hypothesized that disruption of TGF-β signaling prevents excessive wall thickening during venous remodeling. METHODS A mouse aortocaval fistula model was used. SB431542-an inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I-was encapsulated in nanoparticles and applied to the AVF adventitia in C57BL/6J mice. Alternatively, AVFs were created in mice with conditional disruption of TGF-β receptors in either SMCs or endothelial cells. Doppler ultrasound was performed serially to confirm patency and to measure vessel diameters. AVFs were harvested at predetermined time points for histological and immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS Inhibition of TGF-β signaling with SB431542-containing nanoparticles significantly reduced p-Smad2-positive cells in the AVF wall during the early maturation phase (days 7-21) and was associated with decreased AVF wall thickness that showed both decreased collagen density and decreased SMC proliferation. SMC-specific TGF-β signaling disruption decreased collagen density but not SMC proliferation or wall thickness. Endothelial cell-specific TGF-β signaling disruption decreased both collagen density and SMC proliferation in the AVF wall and was associated with reduced wall thickness, increased outward remodeling, and improved AVF patency. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial cell-targeted TGF-β inhibition may be a translational strategy to improve AVF patency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Taniguchi
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Division of Vascular Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.T., Y.O., K.H.)
| | - Yuichi Ohashi
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Division of Vascular Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.T., Y.O., K.H.)
| | - Jung Seok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (J.S.L., T.M.F.)
| | - Haidi Hu
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang (H.H.)
| | - Luis Gonzalez
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Weichang Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - John Langford
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yutaka Matsubara
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Surgery and Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan (Y.M.)
| | - Bogdan Yatsula
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - George Tellides
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery (G.T.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Surgery, VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems, West Haven, CT (G.T., A.D.)
| | - Tarek M Fahmy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT (J.S.L., T.M.F.)
| | - Katsuyuki Hoshina
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Japan (R.T., Y.O., K.H.)
| | - Alan Dardik
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (R.T., Y.O., H.H., L.G., W.Z., J.L., Y.M., B.Y., G.T., A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery (A.D.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Surgery, VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems, West Haven, CT (G.T., A.D.)
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Lee CY, Angelov SN, Zhu J, Bi L, Sanford N, Alp Yildirim I, Dichek DA. Blockade of TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta) Signaling by Deletion of Tgfbr2 in Smooth Muscle Cells of 11-Month-Old Mice Alters Aortic Structure and Causes Vasomotor Dysfunction-Brief Report. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:764-771. [PMID: 35443795 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317603] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To test the hypothesis that smooth muscle cell (SMC) TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) signaling contributes to maintenance of aortic structure and function beyond the early postnatal period. METHODS We deleted the TBR2 (type 2 TGF-β receptor) in SMC of 11-month-old mice (genotype Acta2-CreERT2+/0 Tgfbr2f/f, termed TBR2SMΔ) and compared their ascending aorta structure and vasomotor function to controls (Acta2-CreERT20/0 Tgfbr2f/f, termed TBR2f/f). RESULTS We confirmed loss of aortic SMC TBR2 by immunoblotting. Four weeks after SMC TBR2 loss, TBR2SMΔ mice did not have aortic rupture, ulceration, dissection, dilation, or evidence of medial hemorrhage. However, aortic medial area of TBR2SMΔ mice was increased by 27% (0.14±0.01 versus 0.11±0.01 mm2; P=0.01) and medial thickness was increased by 23% (40±1.9 versus 33±1.3 μm; P=0.004) compared with littermate controls. Wire myography performed on ascending aortic rings showed hypercontractility of TBR2SMΔ aortas to phenylephrine (Emax, 15.9±1.2 versus 10.8±0.7 mN; P=0.0003) and reduced relaxation and sensitivity to acetylcholine (Emax, 64±14% versus 96±2%; P=0.001; -logEC50, 6.9±0.1 versus 7.7±0.1; P=0.0001). Neither maximal relaxation nor sensitivity to sodium nitroprusside differed (Emax, 102±0.3% versus 101±0.3%; -logEC50, 8.0±0.04 versus 7.9±0.08; P>0.4 for both). CONCLUSIONS Loss of TGF-β signaling in aortic SMC of 1-year-old mice does not cause early severe aortopathy or death; however, it causes mild structural and substantial physiological abnormalities. SMC TGF-β signaling plays an important role in maintaining aortic homeostasis in older mice. This role should be considered in the design of clinical studies that aim to prevent aortopathy by blocking SMC TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Y Lee
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Stoyan N Angelov
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Jay Zhu
- Department of Surgery (J.Z.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Lianxiang Bi
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Nicole Sanford
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Ilkay Alp Yildirim
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - David A Dichek
- Department of Medicine (C.Y.L., S.N.A., L.B., N.S., I.A.Y., D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine' Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (D.A.D.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
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33
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Chen J, Chang R. Association of TGF-β Canonical Signaling-Related Core Genes With Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888563. [PMID: 35517795 PMCID: PMC9065418 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888563] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is essential for the maintenance of the normal structure and function of the aorta. It includes SMAD-dependent canonical pathways and noncanonical signaling pathways. Accumulated genetic evidence has shown that TGF-β canonical signaling-related genes have key roles in aortic aneurysms (AAs) and aortic dissections and many gene mutations have been identified in patients, such as those for transforming growth factor-beta receptor one TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, and SMAD6. Aortic specimens from patients with these mutations often show paradoxically enhanced TGF-β signaling. Some hypotheses have been proposed and new AA models in mice have been constructed to reveal new mechanisms, but the role of TGF-β signaling in AAs is controversial. In this review, we focus mainly on the role of canonical signaling-related core genes in diseases of the aorta, as well as recent advances in gene-mutation detection, animal models, and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Chen
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rong Chang
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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34
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Făgărășan A, Săsăran MO. The Predictive Role of Plasma Biomarkers in the Evolution of Aortopathies Associated with Congenital Heart Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094993. [PMID: 35563383 PMCID: PMC9102091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilatation of the aorta is a constantly evolving condition that can lead to the ultimate life-threatening event, acute aortic dissection. Recent research has tried to identify quantifiable biomarkers, with both diagnostic and prognostic roles in different aortopathies. Most studies have focused on the bicuspid aortic valve, the most frequent congenital heart disease (CHD), and majorly evolved around matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Other candidate biomarkers, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products or transforming growth factor beta have also gained a lot of attention recently. Most of the aortic anomalies and dilatation-related studies have reported expression variation of tissular biomarkers. The ultimate goal remains, though, the identification of biomarkers among the serum plasma, with the upregulation of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) being reported in association to several aortopathies and related complications in recent research. These molecules are apparently quantifiable from the early ages and have been linked to several CHDs and hereditary aortopathies. Pediatric data on the matter is still limited, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the role of plasmatic biomarkers in the long term follow-up of potentially evolving congenital aortopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Făgărășan
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Maria Oana Săsăran
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine in English, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-720-332-503
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35
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Phillippi JA. On vasa vasorum: A history of advances in understanding the vessels of vessels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl6364. [PMID: 35442731 PMCID: PMC9020663 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl6364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The vasa vasorum are a vital microvascular network supporting the outer wall of larger blood vessels. Although these dynamic microvessels have been studied for centuries, the importance and impact of their functions in vascular health and disease are not yet fully realized. There is now rich knowledge regarding what local progenitor cell populations comprise and cohabitate with the vasa vasorum and how they might contribute to physiological and pathological changes in the network or its expansion via angiogenesis or vasculogenesis. Evidence of whether vasa vasorum remodeling incites or governs disease progression or is a consequence of cardiovascular pathologies remains limited. Recent advances in vasa vasorum imaging for understanding cardiovascular disease severity and pathophysiology open the door for theranostic opportunities. Approaches that strive to control angiogenesis and vasculogenesis potentiate mitigation of vasa vasorum-mediated contributions to cardiovascular diseases and emerging diseases involving the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Phillippi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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36
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Peeters S, De Kinderen P, Meester JAN, Verstraeten A, Loeys BL. The fibrillinopathies: new insights with focus on the paradigm of opposing phenotypes for both FBN1 and FBN2. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:815-831. [PMID: 35419902 PMCID: PMC9322447 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Different pathogenic variants in the fibrillin‐1 gene (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome and acromelic dysplasias. Whereas the musculoskeletal features of Marfan syndrome involve tall stature, arachnodactyly, joint hypermobility, and muscle hypoplasia, acromelic dysplasia patients present with short stature, brachydactyly, stiff joints, and hypermuscularity. Similarly, pathogenic variants in the fibrillin‐2 gene (FBN2) cause either a Marfanoid congenital contractural arachnodactyly or a FBN2‐related acromelic dysplasia that most prominently presents with brachydactyly. The phenotypic and molecular resemblances between both the FBN1 and FBN2‐related disorders suggest that reciprocal pathomechanistic lessons can be learned. In this review, we provide an updated overview and comparison of the phenotypic and mutational spectra of both the “tall” and “short” fibrillinopathies. The future parallel functional study of both FBN1/2‐related disorders will reveal new insights into how pathogenic fibrillin variants differently affect the fibrillin microfibril network and/or growth factor homeostasis in clinically opposite syndromes. This knowledge may eventually be translated into new therapeutic approaches by targeting or modulating the fibrillin microfibril network and/or the signaling pathways under its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Peeters
- Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Pauline De Kinderen
- Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Josephina A N Meester
- Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Aline Verstraeten
- Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Bart L Loeys
- Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Bramel EE, Creamer TJ, Saqib M, Camejo Nunez WA, Bagirzadeh R, Roker LA, Goff LA, MacFarlane EG. Postnatal Smad3 Inactivation in Murine Smooth Muscle Cells Elicits a Temporally and Regionally Distinct Transcriptional Response. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:826495. [PMID: 35463747 PMCID: PMC9033237 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous, loss of function mutations in positive regulators of the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) pathway cause hereditary forms of thoracic aortic aneurysm. It is unclear whether and how the initial signaling deficiency triggers secondary signaling upregulation in the remaining functional branches of the pathway, and if this contributes to maladaptive vascular remodeling. To examine this process in a mouse model in which time-controlled, partial interference with postnatal TGF-β signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) could be assessed, we used a VSMC-specific tamoxifen-inducible system, and a conditional allele, to inactivate Smad3 at 6 weeks of age, after completion of perinatal aortic development. This intervention induced dilation and histological abnormalities in the aortic root, with minor involvement of the ascending aorta. To analyze early and late events associated with disease progression, we performed a comparative single cell transcriptomic analysis at 10- and 18-weeks post-deletion, when aortic dilation is undetectable and moderate, respectively. At the early time-point, Smad3-inactivation resulted in a broad reduction in the expression of extracellular matrix components and critical components of focal adhesions, including integrins and anchoring proteins, which was reflected histologically by loss of connections between VSMCs and elastic lamellae. At the later time point, however, expression of several transcripts belonging to the same functional categories was normalized or even upregulated; this occurred in association with upregulation of transcripts coding for TGF-β ligands, and persistent downregulation of negative regulators of the pathway. To interrogate how VSMC heterogeneity may influence this transition, we examined transcriptional changes in each of the four VSMC subclusters identified, regardless of genotype, as partly reflecting the proximal-to-distal anatomic location based on in situ RNA hybridization. The response to Smad3-deficiency varied depending on subset, and VSMC subsets over-represented in the aortic root, the site most vulnerable to dilation, most prominently upregulated TGF-β ligands and pro-pathogenic factors such as thrombospondin-1, angiotensin converting enzyme, and pro-inflammatory mediators. These data suggest that Smad3 is required for maintenance of focal adhesions, and that loss of contacts with the extracellular matrix has consequences specific to each VSMC subset, possibly contributing to the regional susceptibility to dilation in the aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Bramel
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tyler J. Creamer
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Muzna Saqib
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wendy A. Camejo Nunez
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rustam Bagirzadeh
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - LaToya Ann Roker
- School of Medicine Microscope Facility, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Loyal A. Goff
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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38
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Zhang X, Yang Z, Li X, Liu X, Wang X, Qiu T, Wang Y, Li T, Li Q. Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Cell Cycle-Related Gene Upregulation in Ascending Aortic Tissues From Murine Models. Front Genet 2022; 13:823769. [PMID: 35356426 PMCID: PMC8959095 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.823769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a high-risk aortic disease. Mouse models are usually used to explore the pathological progression of TAAD. In our studies, we performed bioinformatics analysis on a microarray dataset (GSE36778) and verified experiments to define the integrated hub genes of TAAD in three different mouse models. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses, and histological and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments were used in our study. First, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and twelve common differentially expressed genes were found. Second, genes related to the cell cycle and inflammation were enriched by using GO and PPI. We focused on filtering and validating eighteen hub genes that were upregulated. Then, expression data from human ascending aortic tissues in the GSE153434 dataset were also used to verify our findings. These results indicated that cell cycle-related genes participate in the pathological mechanism of TAAD and provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of TAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Zhang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Zuozhen Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xuxia Liu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Qiu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueli Wang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongxun Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingle Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wang XP, Li QL, Li W, Zhang T, Li XY, Jiao Y, Zhang XM, Jiang JJ, Zhang X, Zhang XM. Dexamethasone attenuated thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in vascular smooth muscle cell Tgfbr2 disrupted mice with CCL8 suppression. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:631-645. [PMID: 35344629 DOI: 10.1113/ep090190] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of CCL8 and the thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) formation in postnatal mice with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Tgfbr2 disruption and whether dexamethasone could be a potential treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? CCL8 was associated with the formation of TAAD in VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice. Dexamethasone reduced TAAD formation and inhibited MAPK (p-p38) and NF-κB (p-p65) signaling pathways. CCL8 might be an important promoter in aortic inflammation. DEX provided potential therapeutic effects in TAAD treatment. ABSTRACT Aortic inflammation plays a vital role in initiation and progression of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). The disturbance of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is believed to be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of TAAD. Initially, Myh11-CreERT2 .Tgfbr2f/f male mice were used to build TAAD mice model. And bioinformatics analyses revealed the enriched inflammatory signal pathways and upregulated chemokine CCL8. So we hypothesized that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) Tgfbr2 disruption in postnatal mice resulted in aortic inflammation associated with CCL8 secretion. Then real-time quantitative PCR and serum ELISA results confirmed that CCL8 expression began to increase after VSMC Tgfbr2 disruption. Next, we cultured mouse thoracic aortas ex vivo, and observed that the protein expressions of CCL8 in culture supernatants were increased by ELISA. Subsequently, the co-localization of CCL8 with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) orCD68 was found significantly increased by immunofluorescence. Then, dexamethasone (DEX) was used to treat TAAD in VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice The results of histochemical, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining indicated that DEX therapy reduced CCL8 secretion, inflammatory cell recruitment, aortic medial thickening, elastic fiber fragmentating, extracellular matrix degradation, contractile apparatus impairment, thereby ameliorated TAAD formation. Western blot showed that MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in aorta were overactivated after VSMC Tgfbr2 disruption, but inhibited by DEX therapy. Altogether, CCL8 might be an important promoter in TAAD formation of VSMC Tgfbr2 disrupted mice. And DEX provided potential therapeutic effects in TAAD treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Peng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Le Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jun Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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40
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Imaging Techniques for Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in Mice: Comparisons of Ex Vivo, In Situ, and Ultrasound Approaches. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020339. [PMID: 35204838 PMCID: PMC8869425 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysms and dissections are life-threatening conditions that have a high risk for lethal bleeding and organ malperfusion. Many studies have investigated the molecular basis of these diseases using mouse models. In mice, ex vivo, in situ, and ultrasound imaging are major approaches to evaluate aortic diameters, a common parameter to determine the severity of aortic aneurysms. However, accurate evaluations of aortic dimensions by these imaging approaches could be challenging due to pathological features of aortic aneurysms. Currently, there is no standardized mode to assess aortic dissections in mice. It is important to understand the characteristics of each approach for reliable evaluation of aortic dilatations. In this review, we summarize imaging techniques used for aortic visualization in recent mouse studies and discuss their pros and cons. We also provide suggestions to facilitate the visualization of mouse aortas.
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Sawada H, Katsumata Y, Higashi H, Zhang C, Li Y, Morgan S, Lee LH, Singh SA, Chen JZ, Franklin MK, Moorleghen JJ, Howatt DA, Rateri DL, Shen YH, LeMaire SA, Aikawa M, Majesky MW, Lu HS, Daugherty A. Second Heart Field-derived Cells Contribute to Angiotensin II-mediated Ascending Aortopathies. Circulation 2022; 145:987-1001. [PMID: 35143327 PMCID: PMC9008740 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.058173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The ascending aorta is a common location for aneurysm and dissection. This aortic region is populated by a mosaic of medial and adventitial cells that are embryonically derived from either the second heart field (SHF) or the cardiac neural crest. SHF-derived cells populate areas that coincide with the spatial specificity of thoracic aortopathies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how SHF-derived cells contribute to ascending aortopathies. Methods: Ascending aortic pathologies were examined in patients with sporadic thoracic aortopathies and angiotensin II (AngII)-infused mice. Ascending aortas without overt pathology from AngII-infused mice were subjected to mass spectrometry assisted proteomics, and molecular features of SHF-derived cells were determined by single cell transcriptomic analyses. Genetic deletion of either low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1) or transforming growth factor-β receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) in SHF-derived cells was conducted to examine the impact of SHF-derived cells on vascular integrity. Results: Pathologies in human ascending aortic aneurysmal tissues were predominant in outer medial layers and adventitia. This gradient was mimicked in mouse aortas following AngII infusion that was coincident with the distribution of SHF-derived cells. Proteomics indicated that brief AngII infusion, prior to overt pathology, evoked downregulation of SMC proteins and differential expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including several LRP1 ligands. LRP1 deletion in SHF-derived cells augmented AngII-induced ascending aortic aneurysm and rupture. Single cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that brief AngII infusion decreased Lrp1 and Tgfbr2 mRNA abundance in SHF-derived cells and induced a unique fibroblast population with low abundance of Tgfbr2 mRNA. SHF-specific Tgfbr2 deletion led to embryonic lethality at E12.5 with dilatation of the outflow tract and retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Integration of proteomic and single cell transcriptomics results identified plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1) as the most increased protein in SHF-derived SMCs and fibroblasts during AngII infusion. Immunostaining revealed a transmural gradient of PAI1 in both ascending aortas of AngII-infused mice and human ascending aneurysmal aortas that mimicked the gradient of medial and adventitial pathologies. Conclusions: SHF-derived cells exert a critical role in maintaining vascular integrity through LRP1 and TGF-β signaling associated with increases of aortic PAI1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hideyuki Higashi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chen Zhang
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Yanming Li
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Stephanie Morgan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lang H Lee
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sasha A Singh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jeff Z Chen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Michael K Franklin
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Jessica J Moorleghen
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Deborah A Howatt
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Debra L Rateri
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Ying H Shen
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Scott A LeMaire
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mark W Majesky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Hong S Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Saha Aortic Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Lim WW, Dong J, Ng B, Widjaja AA, Xie C, Su L, Kwek XY, Tee NGZ, Jian Pua C, Schafer S, Viswanathan S, Cook SA. Inhibition of IL11 Signaling Reduces Aortic Pathology in Murine Marfan Syndrome. Circ Res 2022; 130:728-740. [PMID: 35135328 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.320381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marfan syndrome (MFS) is associated with TGF (transforming growth factor) β-stimulated ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which adopt a mixed synthetic/contractile phenotype. In VSMCs, TGFβ induces IL (interleukin) 11) that stimulates ERK-dependent secretion of collagens and MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). Here, we examined the role of IL11 in the MFS aorta. METHODS We used echocardiography, histology, immunostaining, and biochemical methods to study aortic anatomy, physiology, and molecular endophenotypes in Fbn1C1041G/+ mice, an established murine model of MFS (mMFS). mMFS mice were crossed to an IL11-tagged EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein; Il11EGFP/+) reporter strain or to a strain deleted for the IL11 receptor (Il11ra1-/-). In therapeutic studies, mMFS were administered an X209 (neutralizing antibody against IL11RA [IL11 receptor subunit alpha]) or IgG for 20 weeks and imaged longitudinally. RESULTS IL11 mRNA and protein were elevated in the aortas of mMFS mice, as compared to controls. mMFS mice crossed to Il11EGFP/+ mice had increased IL11 expression in VSMCs, notably in the aortic root and ascending aorta. As compared to the mMFS parental strain, double mutant mMFS:Il11ra1-/- mice had reduced aortic dilatation and exhibited lesser fibrosis, inflammation, elastin breaks, and VSMC loss, which was associated with reduced aortic COL1A1 (collagen type I alpha 1 chain), IL11, MMP2/9, and phospho-ERK expression. To explore therapeutic targeting of IL11 signaling in MFS, we administered either a neutralizing antibody against IL11RA (X209) or an IgG control. After 20 weeks of antibody administration, as compared to IgG, mMFS mice receiving X209 had reduced thoracic and abdominal aortic dilation as well as lesser fibrosis, inflammation, elastin breaks, and VSMC loss. By immunoblotting, X209 was shown to reduce aortic COL1A1, IL11, MMP2/9, and phospho-ERK expression. CONCLUSIONS In MFS, IL11 is upregulated in aortic VSMCs to cause ERK-related thoracic aortic dilatation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Therapeutic inhibition of IL11, imminent in clinical trials, might be considered as a new approach in MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wen Lim
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.).,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Jinrui Dong
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Benjamin Ng
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.).,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Anissa A Widjaja
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Chen Xie
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.)
| | - Liping Su
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.)
| | - Xiu-Yi Kwek
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.)
| | - Nicole G Z Tee
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.)
| | - Chee Jian Pua
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.)
| | - Sebastian Schafer
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.).,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Sivakumar Viswanathan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.)
| | - Stuart A Cook
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore (W.-W.L., B.N., C.X., L.S., X.-Y.K., N.G.Z.T., C.J.P., S.S., S.A.C.).,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School (W.-W.L., J.D., B.N., A.A.W., S.S., S.V., S.A.C.).,MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, United Kingdom (S.A.C.)
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The Multiple Functions of Fibrillin-1 Microfibrils in Organismal Physiology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031892. [PMID: 35163812 PMCID: PMC8836826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrillin-1 is the major structural component of the 10 nm-diameter microfibrils that confer key physical and mechanical properties to virtually every tissue, alone and together with elastin in the elastic fibers. Mutations in fibrillin-1 cause pleiotropic manifestations in Marfan syndrome (MFS), including dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms, myocardial dysfunction, progressive bone loss, disproportionate skeletal growth, and the dislocation of the crystalline lens. The characterization of these MFS manifestations in mice, that replicate the human phenotype, have revealed that the underlying mechanisms are distinct and organ-specific. This brief review summarizes relevant findings supporting this conclusion.
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He C, Jiang B, Wang M, Ren P, Murtada SI, Caulk AW, Li G, Qin L, Assi R, Lovoulos CJ, Schwartz MA, Humphrey JD, Tellides G. mTOR inhibition prevents angiotensin II-induced aortic rupture and pseudoaneurysm but promotes dissection in Apoe-deficient mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155815. [PMID: 35132962 PMCID: PMC8855820 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic dissection and rupture are triggered by decreased vascular wall strength and/or increased mechanical loads. We investigated the role of mTOR signaling in aortopathy using a well-described model of angiotensin II–induced dissection, aneurysm, or rupture of the suprarenal abdominal aorta in Apoe-deficient mice. Although not widely appreciated, nonlethal hemorrhagic lesions present as pseudoaneurysms without significant dissection in this model. Angiotensin II–induced aortic tears result in free rupture, contained rupture with subadventitial hematoma (forming pseudoaneurysms), dilatation, or healing, while the media invariably thickens regardless of mural tears. Medial thickening results from smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation, including matricellular proteins. Angiotensin II activates mTOR signaling in vascular wall cells, and inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin prevents aortic rupture but promotes dissection. Decreased aortic rupture correlates with decreased inflammation and metalloproteinase expression, whereas extensive dissection correlates with induction of matricellular proteins that modulate adhesion of vascular cells. Thus, mTOR activation in vascular wall cells determines whether aortic tears progress to dissection or rupture. Previous mechanistic studies of aortic aneurysm and dissection by angiotensin II in Apoe-deficient mice should be reinterpreted as clinically relevant to pseudoaneurysms, and mTOR inhibition for aortic disease should be explored with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changshun He
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Pengwei Ren
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alexander W Caulk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Guangxin Li
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Roland Assi
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Constantinos J Lovoulos
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Surgery, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology).,Department of Cell Biology, and.,Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - George Tellides
- Department of Surgery (Cardiac), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Abrial M, Basu S, Huang M, Butty V, Schwertner A, Jeffrey S, Jordan D, Burns CE, Burns CG. Latent TGFβ binding proteins 1 and 3 protect the larval zebrafish outflow tract from aneurysmal dilatation. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274139. [PMID: 35098309 PMCID: PMC8990920 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic root aneurysm is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Loeys-Dietz and Marfan Syndromes, where perturbations in TGFβ signaling play a causal or contributory role, respectively. Despite the advantages of cross-species disease modeling, animal models of aortic root aneurysm are largely restricted to genetically engineered mice. Here, we report that zebrafish devoid of latent TGFβ binding protein (ltbp) 1 and 3 develop rapid and severe aneurysm of the outflow tract (OFT), the aortic root equivalent. Similar to syndromic aneurysm tissue, the distended OFTs display evidence for paradoxical hyperactivated TGFβ signaling. RNA-sequencing revealed significant overlap between the molecular signatures of disease tissue from mutant zebrafish and Marfan mice. Lastly, chemical inhibition of TGFβ signaling in wild-type animals phenocopied mutants but chemical activation did not, demonstrating that TGFβ signaling is protective against aneurysm. Human relevance is supported by recent studies implicating genetic lesions in LTBP3 and potentially LTBP1 as heritable causes of aortic root aneurysm. Ultimately, our data demonstrate that zebrafish can now be leveraged to interrogate thoracic aneurysmal disease and identify novel lead compounds through small molecule suppressor screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryline Abrial
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sandeep Basu
- Division of Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mengmeng Huang
- Division of Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vincent Butty
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology BioMicroCenter, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Asya Schwertner
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Spencer Jeffrey
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Daniel Jordan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Caroline E Burns
- Division of Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - C Geoffrey Burns
- Division of Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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46
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation with a Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020191. [PMID: 35207478 PMCID: PMC8880357 DOI: 10.3390/life12020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal degenerative vascular disease that affects, mostly, the elder population, with a high mortality rate (>80%) upon rupture. It features a dilation of the aortic diameter to larger than 30 mm or more than 50%. Diverse pathological processes are involved in the development of AAA, including aortic wall inflammation, elastin breakdown, oxidative stress, smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching and dysfunction, and extracellular matrix degradation. With open surgery being the only therapeutic option up to date, the lack of pharmaceutical treatment approach calls for identifying novel and effective targets and further understanding the pathological process of AAA. Both lifestyle and genetic predisposition have an important role in increasing the risk of AAA. Several cell types are closely related to the pathogenesis of AAA. Among them, vascular SMCs (VSMCs) are gaining much attention as a critical contributor for AAA initiation and/or progression. In this review, we summarize what is known about AAA, including the risk factors, the pathophysiology, and the established animal models of AAA. In particular, we focus on the VSMC phenotypic switching and dysfunction in AAA formation. Further understanding the regulation of VSMC phenotypic changes may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment or prevention of AAA.
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Pathophysiology and Therapeutics of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Marfan Syndrome. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010128. [PMID: 35053276 PMCID: PMC8773516 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
About 20% of individuals afflicted with thoracic aortic disease have single-gene mutations that predispose the vessel to aneurysm formation and/or acute aortic dissection often without associated syndromic features. One widely studied exception is Marfan syndrome (MFS) in which mutations in the extracellular protein fibrillin-1 cause additional abnormalities in the heart, eyes, and skeleton. Mouse models of MFS have been instrumental in delineating major cellular and molecular determinants of thoracic aortic disease. In spite of research efforts, translating experimental findings from MFS mice into effective drug therapies for MFS patients remains an unfulfilled promise. Here, we describe a series of studies that have implicated endothelial dysfunction and improper angiotensin II and TGFβ signaling in driving thoracic aortic disease in MFS mice. We also discuss how these investigations have influenced the way we conceptualized possible new therapies to slow down or even halt aneurysm progression in this relatively common connective tissue disorder.
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Landis BJ, Lai D, Guo DC, Corvera JS, Idrees MT, Stadler HW, Cuevas C, Needler GU, Vujakovich CE, Milewicz DM, Hinton RB, Ware SM. Identification of a common polymorphism in COQ8B acting as a modifier of thoracic aortic aneurysm severity. HGG ADVANCES 2022; 3. [PMID: 34917985 PMCID: PMC8670066 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2021.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) predisposes to sudden, life-threatening aortic dissection. The factors that regulate interindividual variability in TAA severity are not well understood. Identifying a molecular basis for this variability has the potential to improve clinical risk stratification and advance mechanistic insight. We previously identified COQ8B, a gene important for biosynthesis of coenzyme Q, as a candidate genetic modifier of TAA severity. Here, we investigated the physiological role of COQ8B in human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and further tested its genetic association with TAA severity. We find COQ8B protein localizes to mitochondria in SMCs, and loss of mitochondrial COQ8B leads to increased oxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial respiration, and altered expression of SMC contractile genes. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial cristae defects were prevalent in the medial layer of human proximal aortic tissues in individuals with TAA, and COQ8B expression was decreased in TAA SMCs compared with controls. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3865452 in COQ8B (c.521A>G [p.His174Arg]) was associated with decreased rate of aortic root dilation in young individuals with TAA. In addition, the SNP was less frequent in a second cohort of early-onset thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) cases compared with controls. COQ8B protein levels in aortic SMCs were increased in TAA individuals homozygous for rs3865452 compared with those homozygous for the reference allele. Thus, COQ8B is important for aortic SMC metabolism, which is dysregulated in TAA, and rs3865452 may decrease TAA severity by increasing the COQ8B level. Genotyping rs3865452 may be useful for clinical risk stratification and tailored aortopathy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Landis
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Dongbing Lai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Dong-Chuan Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - Joel S Corvera
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Muhammad T Idrees
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Henry W Stadler
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Christian Cuevas
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Gavin U Needler
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Courtney E Vujakovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - Robert B Hinton
- Divison of Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M Ware
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States of America
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Sawada H, Beckner ZA, Ito S, Daugherty A, Lu HS. β-Aminopropionitrile-induced aortic aneurysm and dissection in mice. JVS Vasc Sci 2022; 3:64-72. [PMID: 35141570 PMCID: PMC8814647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic basis for the formation of aortic aneurysms and dissection needs to be elucidated to facilitate the development of effective medications. β-Aminopropionitrile administration in mice has been used frequently to study the pathologic features and mechanisms of aortic aneurysm and dissection. This mouse model mimics several facets of the pathology of human aortic aneurysms and dissection, although many variables exist in the experimental design and protocols that must be resolved to determine its application to the human disease. In the present brief review, we have introduced the development of this mouse model and provided insights into understanding its pathologic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Sawada
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
| | - Zachary A. Beckner
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
| | - Sohei Ito
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
| | - Hong S. Lu
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Saha Aortic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling controls multiple cell fate decisions during development and tissue homeostasis; hence, dysregulation of this pathway can drive several diseases, including cancer. Here we discuss the influence that TGFβ exerts on the composition and behaviour of different cell populations present in the tumour immune microenvironment, and the context-dependent functions of this cytokine in suppressing or promoting cancer. During homeostasis, TGFβ controls inflammatory responses triggered by exposure to the outside milieu in barrier tissues. Lack of TGFβ exacerbates inflammation, leading to tissue damage and cellular transformation. In contrast, as tumours progress, they leverage TGFβ to drive an unrestrained wound-healing programme in cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as to suppress the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. In consonance with this key role in reprogramming the tumour microenvironment, emerging data demonstrate that TGFβ-inhibitory therapies can restore cancer immunity. Indeed, this approach can synergize with other immunotherapies - including immune checkpoint blockade - to unleash robust antitumour immune responses in preclinical cancer models. Despite initial challenges in clinical translation, these findings have sparked the development of multiple therapeutic strategies that inhibit the TGFβ pathway, many of which are currently in clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele V F Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elena Sancho
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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