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Ravindran A, Holappa L, Niskanen H, Skovorodkin I, Kaisto S, Beter M, Kiema M, Selvarajan I, Nurminen V, Aavik E, Aherrahrou R, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Fortino V, Laakkonen JP, Ylä-Herttuala S, Vainio S, Örd T, Kaikkonen MU. Translatome profiling reveals Itih4 as a novel smooth muscle cell-specific gene in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2024:cvae028. [PMID: 38289873 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae028] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their derivatives are key contributors to the development of atherosclerosis. However, studying changes in SMC gene expression in heterogeneous vascular tissues is challenging due to the technical limitations and high cost associated with current approaches. In this paper, we apply Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification sequencing (TRAP-Seq) to profile SMC-specific gene expression directly from tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS To facilitate SMC-specific translatome analysis, we generated SMCTRAP mice, a transgenic mouse line expressing EGFP-tagged ribosomal protein L10a (EGFP-L10a) under the control of the SMC-specific αSMA promoter. These mice were further crossed with the atherosclerosis model Ldlr-/-, ApoB100/100 to generate SMCTRAP-AS mice and used to profile atherosclerosis-associated SMCs in thoracic aorta samples of 15-month-old SMCTRAP and SMCTRAP-AS mice. Our analysis of SMCTRAP-AS mice showed that EGFP-L10a expression was localized to SMCs in various tissues, including the aortic wall and plaque. The TRAP fraction demonstrated high enrichment of known SMC-specific genes, confirming the specificity of our approach. We identified several genes, including Cemip, Lum, Mfge8, Spp1, and Serpina3, that are known to be involved in atherosclerosis-induced gene expression. Moreover, we identified several novel genes not previously linked to SMCs in atherosclerosis, such as Anxa4, Cd276, Itih4, Myof, Pcdh11x, Rab31, Serpinb6b, Slc35e4, Slc8a3, and Spink5. Among them, we confirmed the SMC-specific expression of Itih4 in atherosclerotic lesions using immunofluorescence staining of mouse aortic roots and spatial transcriptomics of human carotid arteries. Furthermore, our more detailed analysis of Itih4 showed its link to coronary artery disease (CAD) through the colocalization of GWAS, splice-QTL, and protein-QTL signals. CONCLUSIONS We generated a SMC-specific TRAP mouse line to study atherosclerosis and identified Itih4 as a novel SMC-expressed gene in atherosclerotic plaques, warranting further investigation of its putative function in extracellular matrix stability and genetic evidence of causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Ravindran
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Henri Niskanen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Ilya Skovorodkin
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu
| | - Susanna Kaisto
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu
| | - Mustafa Beter
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Miika Kiema
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Ilakya Selvarajan
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Valtteri Nurminen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Einari Aavik
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Rédouane Aherrahrou
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, Universität zu Lübeck; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany; University Heart Centre Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vittorio Fortino
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P Laakkonen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Seppo Vainio
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu
| | - Tiit Örd
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
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Holappa L, Buzulukova NY. Explicit IMF B y -Dependence of Energetic Protons and the Ring Current. Geophys Res Lett 2022; 49:e2022GL098031. [PMID: 35866060 PMCID: PMC9286478 DOI: 10.1029/2022gl098031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The most important parameter driving the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction is the southward (B z ) component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). While the dawn-dusk (B y ) component of the IMF is also known to play an important role, its effects are usually assumed to be independent of its sign. Here we demonstrate for the first time a seasonally varying, explicit IMF B y -dependence of the ring current and Dst index. Using satellite observations and a global magnetohydrodynamic model coupled with a ring current model, we show that for a fixed level of solar wind driving the flux of energetic magnetospheric protons and the growth-rate of the ring current are greater for B y < 0 (B y > 0) than for B y > 0 (B y < 0) in Northern Hemisphere summer (winter). While the physical mechanism of this explicit B y -effect is not yet fully understood, our results suggest that IMF B y modulates magnetospheric convection and plasma transport in the inner magnetosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Holappa
- Space Physics and Astronomy Research UnitUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- University of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbeltMDUSA
| | - N. Y. Buzulukova
- University of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbeltMDUSA
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Ravindran A, Holappa L, Niskanen H, Beter M, Kiema M, Skovorodkin I, Vainio S, Ylä-Herttuala S, Laakkonen J, Örd T, Kaikkonen M. Translating ribosome affinity purification identifies markers of atherosclerosis-associated smooth muscle cells. Atherosclerosis 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.06.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Naumenko N, Mutikainen M, Holappa L, Ruas JL, Tuomainen T, Tavi P. PGC-1α deficiency reveals sex-specific links between cardiac energy metabolism and EC-coupling during development of heart failure in mice. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:1520-1534. [PMID: 34086875 PMCID: PMC9074965 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Biological sex has fundamental effects on mammalian heart physiology and pathogenesis. While it has been established that female sex is a protective factor against most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), this beneficial effect may involve pathways associated with cardiac energy metabolism. Our aim was to elucidate the role of transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α in sex dimorphism of heart failure (HF) development. Methods and results Here, we show that mice deficient in cardiac expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) develop dilated HF associated with changes in aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, calcium handling, cell structure, electrophysiology, as well as gene expression. These cardiac changes occur in both sexes, but female mice develop an earlier and more severe structural and functional phenotype associated with dyssynchronous local calcium release resulting from disruption of t-tubular structures of the cardiomyocytes. Conclusions These data reveal that the integrity of the subcellular Ca2+ release and uptake machinery is dependent on energy metabolism and that female hearts are more prone to suffer from contractile dysfunction in conditions with compromised production of cellular energy. Furthermore, these findings suggest that PGC-1α is a central mediator of sex-specific differences in heart function and CVD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Naumenko
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maija Mutikainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorge L Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomi Tuomainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pasi Tavi
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Leikas AJ, Laham-Karam N, Agtereek E, Peltonen HM, Selander T, Korpisalo P, Holappa L, Hartikainen JEK, Heikura T, Ylä-Herttuala S. Efficacy and Safety of Clinical-Grade Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D ΔNΔC Gene Therapy Containing Residual Replication-Competent Adenoviruses. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 32:761-770. [PMID: 33371775 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological bypass through induced angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) gene therapy (GT) is a new concept for the treatment of cardiac ischemia. Serotype 5 adenoviruses are used in the clinical trials for transferring the VEGF-D cDNA into the ischemic myocardium. However, the presence of replication-competent vectors in the adenovirus products is a widely recognized problem that may pose a potential safety risk to the treated patients. We compared three different VEGF-D GT production lots containing different levels of replication-competent adenoviruses (RCA) tested in 3 × 1010 viral particles (vp): <10 RCA (VEGF-D L-RCA1), 10-100 RCA (VEGF-D H-RCA2), and 100-200 RCA (VEGF-D H-RCA3), as measured by a novel droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) RCA assay in a preclinical rabbit model (n = 21). β-galactosidase encoding nonclinical-grade preparation was used as a nonangiogenic control. Each preparation was injected into the right semimembranosus muscle using dose of 1 × 1011 vp. Efficacy of the products was tested by the combination of contrast pulse sequencing ultrasound and modified Miles assay as well as quantifying the total cross-sectional area of capillaries. Safety, immunogenicity, toxicity, biodistribution, and shedding were assessed by general histology, serial measurements of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and body temperature as well as using quantitative real-time PCR with primers targeted to the VEGF-D and replication-permitting E1 sequences. We found no significant differences in the efficacy or safety between the study groups. Most importantly, no detectable presence of RCA-specific E1 sequence was found in any samples tested, indicating that no detectable vector replication took place in vivo. We conclude that relatively low levels of RCA in adenoviral GT products may not be as important major safety issue as previously anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksi J Leikas
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nihay Laham-Karam
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eline Agtereek
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Tuomas Selander
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petra Korpisalo
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha E K Hartikainen
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tommi Heikura
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Pulkkinen HH, Kiema M, Lappalainen JP, Toropainen A, Beter M, Tirronen A, Holappa L, Niskanen H, Kaikkonen MU, Ylä-Herttuala S, Laakkonen JP. BMP6/TAZ-Hippo signaling modulates angiogenesis and endothelial cell response to VEGF. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:129-144. [PMID: 33021694 PMCID: PMC7921060 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The BMP/TGFβ-Smad, Notch and VEGF signaling guides formation of endothelial tip and stalk cells. However, the crosstalk of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling has remained largely unknown. We demonstrate that BMP family members regulate VEGFR2 and Notch signaling, and act via TAZ-Hippo signaling pathway. BMPs were found to be regulated after VEGF gene transfer in C57/Bl6 mice and in a porcine myocardial ischemia model. BMPs 2/4/6 were identified as endothelium-specific targets of VEGF. BMP2 modulated VEGF-mediated endothelial sprouting via Delta like Canonical Notch Ligand 4 (DLL4). BMP6 modulated VEGF signaling by regulating VEGFR2 expression and acted via Hippo signaling effector TAZ, known to regulate cell survival/proliferation, and to be dysregulated in cancer. In a matrigel plug assay in nude mice BMP6 was further demonstrated to induce angiogenesis. BMP6 is the first member of BMP family found to directly regulate both Hippo signaling and neovessel formation. It may thus serve as a target in pro/anti-angiogenic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Pulkkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Kiema
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J P Lappalainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Eastern Finland and Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre, Kuopio, Finland
| | - A Toropainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Beter
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - A Tirronen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - L Holappa
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - H Niskanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M U Kaikkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - S Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Setaro F, Wennink JWH, Mäkinen PI, Holappa L, Trohopoulos PN, Ylä-Herttuala S, van Nostrum CF, de la Escosura A, Torres T. Amphiphilic phthalocyanines in polymeric micelles: a supramolecular approach toward efficient third-generation photosensitizers. J Mater Chem B 2019; 8:282-289. [PMID: 31803886 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb02014d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we describe a straightforward supramolecular strategy to encapsulate silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc) photosensitizers (PS) in polymeric micelles made of poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG) block copolymers. While PCL-PEG micelles are promising nanocarriers based on their biocompatibility and biodegradability, the design of our new PS favors their encapsulation. In particular, they combine two axial benzoyl substituents, each of them carrying either three hydrophilic methoxy(triethylenoxy) chains (1), three hydrophobic dodecyloxy chains (3), or both kinds of chains (2). The SiPc derivatives 1 and 2 are therefore amphiphilic, with the SiPc unit contributing to the hydrophobic core, while lipophilicity increases along the series, making it possible to correlate the loading efficacy in PCL-PEG micelles with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the PS structure. This has led to a new kind of third-generation nano-PS that efficiently photogenerates 1O2, while preliminary in vitro experiments demonstrate an excellent cellular uptake and a promising PDT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Setaro
- Organic Chemistry Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jos W H Wennink
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Petri I Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, Kuopio FIN-70211, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, Kuopio FIN-70211, Finland
| | | | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, Kuopio FIN-70211, Finland
| | - Cornelus F van Nostrum
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Andres de la Escosura
- Organic Chemistry Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain. and Institute for Advanced Research in Chemical Sciences (IAdChem), 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomas Torres
- Organic Chemistry Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain. and Institute for Advanced Research in Chemical Sciences (IAdChem), 28049 Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain and IMDEA Nanosience, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Banerjee S, Sengupta J, Aljarilla AI, Setaro F, Makinen P, Wu L, Holappa L, de la Escosura A, Martinelli C, Trohopoulos P, Ylä-Herttuala S, Urbanics R, Szebeni J, Torres T, Krol S. Human serum albumin nanoparticles loaded with phthalocyanine dyes for potential use in photodynamic therapy for atherosclerotic plaques. PRNANO 2019. [DOI: 10.33218/prnano2(2).190411.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by obstruction or rupture of vulnerable plaques in the arterial walls such as cardiovascular infarction or stroke are the leading cause of death in the world. In the present work, we developed human serum albumin nanoparticles loaded by physisorption with zinc phthalocyanine, TT1, mainly used for industrial application as near-infrared photosensitizer and compared these to HSA NPs loaded with the well-known silicone phthalocyanine (Pc4). The use of NIR light allows for better tissue penetration, while the use of nanoparticles permits high local concentrations. The particles were characterized and tested for toxicity and stability as well as for their potential use as a contrast agent and NIR photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy in cardiovascular disease. We focused on the distribution of the nanoparticles in RAW264.7 macrophage cells and atherosclerotic mice. The nanoparticles had an average size of 120 nm according to dynamic light scattering, good loading capacity for zinc phthalocyanine, and satisfying stability in 50% (v/v) fetal bovine serum for 8 hours and in an aqueous environment at 4°C for 4–6 weeks. Under light irradiation we found a high production of singlet oxygen and the products showed no dark toxicity in vitro with macrophages (the target cells in vulnerable plaques), but at a low g/mL nanoparticle concentration killed efficiently the macrophages upon LED illumination. Injection of the contrast agent in atherosclerotic mice led to a visible fluorescence signal of zinc phthalocyanine in the atherosclerotic plaque at 30 minutes and in the lungs with a fast clearance of the nanoparticles. Zinc phthalocyanine loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles present an interesting candidate for the visualization and potentially photodynamic treatment of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadeep Banerjee
- aFIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, IFOM-IEO-Campus, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tomas Torres
- CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA DE CANTOBLANCO IMDEA Nanoscience
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Merentie M, Rissanen R, Lottonen-Raikaslehto L, Huusko J, Gurzeler E, Turunen MP, Holappa L, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Doxycycline modulates VEGF-A expression: Failure of doxycycline-inducible lentivirus shRNA vector to knockdown VEGF-A expression in transgenic mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190981. [PMID: 29351307 PMCID: PMC5774698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is the master regulator of angiogenesis, vascular permeability and growth. However, its role in mature blood vessels is still not well understood. To better understand the role of VEGF-A in the adult vasculature, we generated a VEGF-A knockdown mouse model carrying a doxycycline (dox)-regulatable short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transgene, which silences VEGF-A. The aim was to find the critical level of VEGF-A reduction for vascular well-being in vivo. In vitro, the dox-inducible lentiviral shRNA vector decreased VEGF-A expression efficiently and dose-dependently in mouse endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. In the generated transgenic mice plasma VEGF-A levels decreased shortly after the dox treatment but returned back to normal after two weeks. VEGF-A expression decreased shortly after the dox treatment only in some tissues. Surprisingly, increasing the dox exposure time and dose led to elevated VEGF-A expression in some tissues of both wildtype and knockdown mice, suggesting that dox itself has an effect on VEGF-A expression. When the effect of dox on VEGF-A levels was further tested in naïve/non-transduced cells, the dox administration led to a decreased VEGF-A expression in endothelial cells but to an increased expression in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, the VEGF-A knockdown was achieved in a dox-regulatable fashion with a VEGF-A shRNA vector in vitro, but not in the knockdown mouse model in vivo. Dox itself was found to regulate VEGF-A expression explaining the unexpected results in mice. The effect of dox on VEGF-A levels might at least partly explain its previously reported beneficial effects on myocardial and brain ischemia. Also, this effect on VEGF-A should be taken into account in all studies using dox-regulated vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Merentie
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riina Rissanen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Line Lottonen-Raikaslehto
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Huusko
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Erika Gurzeler
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko P. Turunen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
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