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Wang D, Zhao P, Lv Y, Ming J, Wang Z, Yang E, Li Y, Wang M, Niu J, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Chen Y, Chen K, Chen Z, Liu W, Hu X. Proteomic-Based Platelet Activation-Associated Protein SELP May Be a Novel Biomarker for Coagulation and Prognostic in Essential Thrombocythemia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031078. [PMID: 36769725 PMCID: PMC9917633 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal platelet activation can lead to thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia (ET) and thus impact patient prognosis. Platelet activation-associated proteins are key molecules for platelet activation. However, it is unclear which proteins are most closely associated with the disease's prognosis. To determine which platelet activation-related proteins can be employed as ET patient prognosis predictors, we used label-free quantification (LFQ) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) technology and first determined the serum proteomic expression levels and the differential proteins of ET patients. Then, based on the IPSET (International Prognostic Score for ET), the differential protein associated with the prognostic score was found. To investigate potential processes affecting prognosis, the connection of this protein with prognostic markers, such as thrombotic history, age, white blood cell count, coagulation factors, and inflammatory factors, were further examined. The levels of platelet activation-related proteins GPIbα, SELP, PF4, MMP1, and FLNA were significantly higher in ET patients, according to LFQ and PRM analyses (p < 0.01). Based on regression analysis of the IPSET prognostic score, it is suggested that the SELP level was positively correlated with the prognostic score and prognostic risk factor analysis (p < 0.05). Further regression analysis of SELP with coagulation factors showed that antithrombin (AT-III) was negatively correlated with SELP levels (p < 0.05). Further regression analysis of the inflammatory factors with AT-III and SELP revealed that IL-10, IL-12P70, and IL-31 were negatively correlated with AT-III and SELP (p < 0.01). Platelet activation pathway-related proteins are expressed more frequently in ET patients, and serum SELP may be a prognostic marker for these individuals by encouraging leukocyte increase and inflammatory factor expression and causing aberrant coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Pei Zhao
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yan Lv
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jing Ming
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Ziqing Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Erpeng Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Mingjing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jicong Niu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yanyu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Postdoctoral Research Programme of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Weiyi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (X.H.); Tel.: +86-10-6283-5361 (W.L. & X.H.); Fax: +86-010-6286-0397 (W.L. & X.H.)
| | - Xiaomei Hu
- Department of Hematology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (X.H.); Tel.: +86-10-6283-5361 (W.L. & X.H.); Fax: +86-010-6286-0397 (W.L. & X.H.)
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Langeveld SAG, Meijlink B, Kooiman K. Phospholipid-coated targeted microbubbles for ultrasound molecular imaging and therapy. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:171-9. [PMID: 34102582 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipid-coated microbubbles are ultrasound contrast agents that, when functionalized, adhere to specific biomarkers on cells. In this concise review, we highlight recent developments in strategies for targeting the microbubbles and their use for ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) and therapy. Recently developed novel targeting strategies include magnetic functionalization, triple targeting, and the use of several new ligands. UMI is a powerful technique for studying disease progression, diagnostic imaging, and monitoring of therapeutic responses. Targeted microbubbles (tMBs) have been used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, with therapeutics either coadministered or loaded onto the tMBs. Regardless of which disease was treated, the use of tMBs always resulted in a better therapeutic outcome than non-tMBs when compared in vitro or in vivo.
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Orian JM, D'Souza CS, Kocovski P, Krippner G, Hale MW, Wang X, Peter K. Platelets in Multiple Sclerosis: Early and Central Mediators of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration and Attractive Targets for Molecular Imaging and Site-Directed Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:620963. [PMID: 33679764 PMCID: PMC7933211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.620963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelets are clearly central to thrombosis and hemostasis. In addition, more recently, evidence has emerged for non-hemostatic roles of platelets including inflammatory and immune reactions/responses. Platelets express immunologically relevant ligands and receptors, demonstrate adhesive interactions with endothelial cells, monocytes and neutrophils, and toll-like receptor (TLR) mediated responses. These properties make platelets central to innate and adaptive immunity and potential candidate key mediators of autoimmune disorders. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) disease. An association between platelets and MS was first indicated by the increased adhesion of platelets to endothelial cells. This was followed by reports identifying structural and functional changes of platelets, their chronic activation in the peripheral blood of MS patients, platelet presence in MS lesions and the more recent revelation that these structural and functional abnormalities are associated with all MS forms and stages. Investigations based on the murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) MS model first revealed a contribution to EAE pathogenesis by exacerbation of CNS inflammation and an early role for platelets in EAE development via platelet-neuron and platelet-astrocyte associations, through sialated gangliosides in lipid rafts. Our own studies refined and extended these findings by identifying the critical timing of platelet accumulation in pre-clinical EAE and establishing an initiating and central rather than merely exacerbating role for platelets in disease development. Furthermore, we demonstrated platelet-neuron associations in EAE, coincident with behavioral changes, but preceding the earliest detectable autoreactive T cell accumulation. In combination, these findings establish a new paradigm by asserting that platelets play a neurodegenerative as well as a neuroinflammatory role in MS and therefore, that these two pathological processes are causally linked. This review will discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of MS, for future applications for imaging toward early detection of MS, and for novel strategies for platelet-targeted treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M Orian
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claretta S D'Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Pece Kocovski
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guy Krippner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew W Hale
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Rosell A, Moser B, Hisada Y, Chinthapatla R, Lian G, Yang Y, Flick MJ, Mackman N. Evaluation of different commercial antibodies for their ability to detect human and mouse tissue factor by western blotting. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2020; 4:1013-1023. [PMID: 32864552 PMCID: PMC7443430 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Western blotting is used to measure protein expression in cells and tissues. Appropriate interpretation of resulting data is contingent upon antibody validation. OBJECTIVES We assessed several commercial anti-human and anti-mouse tissue factor (TF) antibodies for their ability to detect TF by western blotting. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used human pancreatic cancer cell lines expressing different levels of TF and a mouse pancreatic cancer cell line expressing TF with a matched knockout derivative. RESULTS Human and mouse TF protein detected by western blotting correlated with levels of TF mRNA in these cell lines. The apparent molecular weight of TF is increased by N-linked glycosylation and, as expected, deglycosylation decreased the size of TF based on western blotting. We found that four commercial anti-human TF antibodies detected TF in a TF-positive cell line HPAF-II whereas no signal was observed in a TF-negative cell line MIA PaCa-2. More variability was observed in detecting mouse TF. Two anti-mouse TF antibodies detected mouse TF in a TF-positive cell line and no signal was observed in a TF knockout cell line. However, a third anti-mouse TF antibody detected a nonspecific protein in both the mouse TF-positive and TF-negative cell lines. Two anti-human TF antibodies that are claimed to cross react with mouse TF either recognized a nonspecific band or did not detect mouse TF. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that there is a range in quality of commercial anti-TF antibodies. CONCLUSION We recommend that all commercial antibodies should be validated to ensure that they detect TF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Rosell
- Division of Internal MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesDanderyd HospitalKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Bernhard Moser
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis ResearchCenter for Physiology and PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Yohei Hisada
- Division of Hematology/OncologyDepartment of MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Rukesh Chinthapatla
- Division of Hematology/OncologyDepartment of MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Grace Lian
- Division of Hematology/OncologyDepartment of MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Nigel Mackman
- Division of Hematology/OncologyDepartment of MedicineUNC Blood Research CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
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Zhong L, He X, Song H, Sun Y, Chen G, Si X, Sun J, Chen X, Liao W, Liao Y, Bin J. METTL3 Induces AAA Development and Progression by Modulating N6-Methyladenosine-Dependent Primary miR34a Processing. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2020; 21:394-411. [PMID: 32650237 PMCID: PMC7347714 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Identifying effective drugs to delay the progression of aortic aneurysms is a formidable challenge in vascular medicine. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) plays a key role in catalyzing the formation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), but despite the functional importance of METTL3 and m6A in various fundamental biological processes, their roles in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are unknown. Here, we found that METTL3 knockdown in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice treated with angiotensin II suppressed the formation of AAAs, while METTL3 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Similar results were obtained in a calcium chloride (CaCl2)-induced mouse AAA model. Mechanistically, METTL3-dependent m6A methylation promoted primary microRNA-34a (miR-34a, pri-miR34a) maturation through DGCR8. Moreover, miR-34a overexpression significantly decreased SIRT1 expression and aggravated AAA formation, while miR-34a deficiency produced the opposite effects. In a rescue experiment, miR-34a knockdown or forced expression of SIRT1 partially attenuated the protective effects of METTL3 deficiency against AAA formation. Our studies reveal an important role for METTL3/m6A-mediated miR-34a maturation in AAA formation and provide a novel therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for AAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lintao Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiang He
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haoyu Song
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yili Sun
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoyun Si
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yulin Liao
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianping Bin
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Luong A, Smith D, Tai CH, Cotter B, Luo C, Strachan M, DeMaria A, Rychak JJ. Development of a Translatable Ultrasound Molecular Imaging Agent for Inflammation. Ultrasound Med Biol 2020; 46:690-702. [PMID: 31899038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study details the development, characterization and non-clinical efficacy of an ultrasound molecular imaging agent intended for molecular imaging of P-selectin in humans. A targeting ligand based on a recently discovered human selectin ligand was manufactured as fusion protein, and activity for human and mouse P- and E-selectin was evaluated by functional immunoassay. The targeting ligand was covalently conjugated to a lipophilic anchor inserted into a phospholipid microbubble shell. Three lots of the targeted microbubble drug product, TS-07-009, were produced, and assays for size distribution, zeta potential and morphology were established. The suitability of TS-07-009 as a molecular imaging agent was evaluated in vitro in a flow-based adhesion assay and in vivo using a canine model of transient myocardial ischemia. Selectivity for P-selectin over E-selectin was observed in both the human and murine systems. Contrast agent adhesion increased with P-selectin concentration in a dynamic adhesion assay. Significant contrast enhancement was observed on ultrasound imaging with TS-07-009 in post-ischemic canine myocardium at 30 or 90 min of re-perfusion. Negligible enhancement was observed in resting (no prior ischemia) hearts or with a control microbubble 90 min after ischemia. The microbubble contrast agent described here exhibits physiochemical properties and in vivo behavior suitable for development as a clinical imaging agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Smith
- Targeson, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Bruno Cotter
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Colin Luo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Monet Strachan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anthony DeMaria
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joshua J Rychak
- Targeson, Inc., San Diego, California, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
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Perkins LA, Anderson CJ, Novelli EM. Targeting P-Selectin Adhesion Molecule in Molecular Imaging: P-Selectin Expression as a Valuable Imaging Biomarker of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease. J Nucl Med 2019; 60:1691-1697. [PMID: 31601694 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.118.225169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
P-selectin is an adhesion molecule translocated to the surface of endothelial cells and platelets under inflammatory stimuli, and its potential as a biomarker in inflammatory conditions has driven preclinical studies to investigate its application for molecular imaging of inflammation. Clinical imaging of P-selectin expression for disease characterization could have an important role in stratifying patients and determining treatment strategies. The objective of this review is to outline the role of P-selectin in cardiovascular inflammatory conditions and its translation as an early inflammatory biomarker for several molecular imaging modalities for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A Perkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carolyn J Anderson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Enrico M Novelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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He X, Wang S, Li M, Zhong L, Zheng H, Sun Y, Lai Y, Chen X, Wei G, Si X, Han Y, Huang S, Li X, Liao W, Liao Y, Bin J. Long noncoding RNA GAS5 induces abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by promoting smooth muscle apoptosis. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:5558-5576. [PMID: 31534503 PMCID: PMC6735383 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may serve as specific targets for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). LncRNA GAS5, functionally associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis and proliferation, is likely involved in AAA formation, but the exact role of GAS5 in AAA is unknown. We thus explored the contribution of GAS5 to SMC-regulated AAA formation and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Human specimens were used to verify the diverse expression of GAS5 in normal and AAA tissues. The angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAA model in ApoE-/- mice and the CaCl2-induced AAA model in wild-type C57BL/6 mice were used. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter gene assays were performed in human aortic SMCs to detect the interaction between GAS5 and its downstream targets of protein or microRNA (miR). Results: GAS5 expression was significantly upregulated in human AAA specimens and two murine AAA models compared to human normal aortas and murine sham-operated controls. GAS5 overexpression induced SMC apoptosis and repressed its proliferation, thereby promoting AAA formation in two murine AAA models. Y-box-binding protein 1 (YBX1) was identified as a direct target of GAS5 while it also formed a positive feedback loop with GAS5 to regulate the downstream target p21. Furthermore, GAS5 acted as a miR-21 sponge to release phosphatase and tensin homolog from repression, which blocked the activation and phosphorylation of Akt to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in SMCs. Conclusion: The LncRNA GAS5 contributes to SMC survival during AAA formation. Thus, GAS5 might serve as a novel target against AAA.
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