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Aghagolzadeh P, Plaisance I, Bernasconi R, Treibel TA, Pulido Quetglas C, Wyss T, Wigger L, Nemir M, Sarre A, Chouvardas P, Johnson R, González A, Pedrazzini T. Assessment of the Cardiac Noncoding Transcriptome by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Identifies FIXER, a Conserved Profibrogenic Long Noncoding RNA. Circulation 2023; 148:778-797. [PMID: 37427428 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.062601] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibroblasts have crucial roles in the heart. In particular, fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts in the damaged myocardium, contributing to scar formation and interstitial fibrosis. Fibrosis is associated with heart dysfunction and failure. Myofibroblasts therefore represent attractive therapeutic targets. However, the lack of myofibroblast-specific markers has precluded the development of targeted therapies. In this context, most of the noncoding genome is transcribed into long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). A number of lncRNAs have pivotal functions in the cardiovascular system. lncRNAs are globally more cell-specific than protein-coding genes, supporting their importance as key determinants of cell identity. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the value of the lncRNA transcriptome in very deep single-cell RNA sequencing. We profiled the lncRNA transcriptome in cardiac nonmyocyte cells after infarction and probed heterogeneity in the fibroblast and myofibroblast populations. In addition, we searched for subpopulation-specific markers that can constitute novel targets in therapy for heart disease. RESULTS We demonstrated that cardiac cell identity can be defined by the sole expression of lncRNAs in single-cell experiments. In this analysis, we identified lncRNAs enriched in relevant myofibroblast subpopulations. Selecting 1 candidate we named FIXER (fibrogenic LOX-locus enhancer RNA), we showed that its silencing limits fibrosis and improves heart function after infarction. Mechanitically, FIXER interacts with CBX4, an E3 SUMO protein ligase and transcription factor, guiding CBX4 to the promoter of the transcription factor RUNX1 to control its expression and, consequently, the expression of a fibrogenic gene program.. FIXER is conserved in humans, supporting its translational value. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that lncRNA expression is sufficient to identify the various cell types composing the mammalian heart. Focusing on cardiac fibroblasts and their derivatives, we identified lncRNAs uniquely expressed in myofibroblasts. In particular, the lncRNA FIXER represents a novel therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Aghagolzadeh
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Switzerland (P.A., I.P., R.B., M.N., T.P.)
| | - Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Switzerland (P.A., I.P., R.B., M.N., T.P.)
| | - Riccardo Bernasconi
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Switzerland (P.A., I.P., R.B., M.N., T.P.)
| | - Thomas A Treibel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom (T.A.T.)
| | - Carlos Pulido Quetglas
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland (C.P.Q., P.C., R.J.)
| | - Tania Wyss
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland (T.W.)
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland (T.W., L.W.)
| | - Leonore Wigger
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland (T.W., L.W.)
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Switzerland (P.A., I.P., R.B., M.N., T.P.)
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Switzerland (A.S.)
| | - Panagiotis Chouvardas
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland (C.P.Q., P.C., R.J.)
| | - Rory Johnson
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland (C.P.Q., P.C., R.J.)
| | - Arantxa González
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain (A.G.)
- CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain (A.G.)
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Switzerland (P.A., I.P., R.B., M.N., T.P.)
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2
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Plaisance I, Chouvardas P, Sun Y, Nemir M, Aghagolzadeh P, Aminfar F, Shen S, Shim WJ, Rochais F, Johnson R, Palpant N, Pedrazzini T. A transposable element into the human long noncoding RNA CARMEN is a switch for cardiac precursor cell specification. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1361-1376. [PMID: 36537036 PMCID: PMC10262180 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The major cardiac cell types composing the adult heart arise from common multipotent precursor cells. Cardiac lineage decisions are guided by extrinsic and cell-autonomous factors, including recently discovered long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The human lncRNA CARMEN, which is known to dictate specification toward the cardiomyocyte (CM) and the smooth muscle cell (SMC) fates, generates a diversity of alternatively spliced isoforms. METHODS AND RESULTS The CARMEN locus can be manipulated to direct human primary cardiac precursor cells (CPCs) into specific cardiovascular fates. Investigating CARMEN isoform usage in differentiating CPCs represents therefore a unique opportunity to uncover isoform-specific functions in lncRNAs. Here, we identify one CARMEN isoform, CARMEN-201, to be crucial for SMC commitment. CARMEN-201 activity is encoded within an alternatively spliced exon containing a MIRc short interspersed nuclear element. This element binds the transcriptional repressor REST (RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor), targets it to cardiogenic loci, including ISL1, IRX1, IRX5, and SFRP1, and thereby blocks the CM gene program. In turn, genes regulating SMC differentiation are induced. CONCLUSIONS These data show how a critical physiological switch is wired by alternative splicing and functional transposable elements in a long noncoding RNA. They further demonstrated the crucial importance of the lncRNA isoform CARMEN-201 in SMC specification during heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Yuliangzi Sun
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Parisa Aghagolzadeh
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Farhang Aminfar
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Shen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Woo Jun Shim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Francesca Rochais
- Aix Marseille University, Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM, U1251, Marseille, France
| | - Rory Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nathan Palpant
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Nemir M, Kay M, Maison D, Berthonneche C, Sarre A, Plaisance I, Pedrazzini T. Inhibition of the NOTCH1 Pathway in the Stressed Heart Limits Fibrosis and Promotes Recruitment of Non-Myocyte Cells into the Cardiomyocyte Fate. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040111. [PMID: 35448087 PMCID: PMC9024539 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pathologies lead to an acute or gradual loss of cardiomyocytes. Because of the limited regenerative capacity of the mammalian heart, cardiomyocytes are only replaced by fibrotic tissue. Excessive fibrosis contributes to the deterioration of cardiac function and the transition to heart failure, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, no treatments can promote replenishment of the injured heart with newly formed cardiomyocytes. In this context, regenerative strategies explore the possibility to promote recovery through induction of cardiomyocyte production from pre-existing cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, cardiac non-myocyte cells can be directly reprogrammed into induced cardiac precursor cells and cardiomyocytes, suggesting that these cells could be exploited to produce cardiomyocytes in vivo. Here, we provide evidence that the sequential activation and inhibition of the NOTCH1 signaling pathway in the stressed heart decreases fibrosis and improves cardiac function in the stressed heart. This is accompanied by the emergence of new cardiomyocytes from non-myocyte origin. Overall, our data show how a developmental pathway such as the NOTCH pathway can be manipulated to provide therapeutic benefit in the damaged heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.N.); (M.K.); (D.M.); (I.P.)
| | - Maryam Kay
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.N.); (M.K.); (D.M.); (I.P.)
| | - Damien Maison
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.N.); (M.K.); (D.M.); (I.P.)
| | - Corinne Berthonneche
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.N.); (M.K.); (D.M.); (I.P.)
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; (M.N.); (M.K.); (D.M.); (I.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-21-314-0765
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4
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Kay M, Soltani BM, Nemir M, Aghagolzadeh P, Pezzuto I, Chouvardas P, Ruberto F, Movahedi F, Ansari H, Baharvand H, Pedrazzini T. The conserved long noncoding RNA CARMA regulates cardiomyocyte differentiation. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:2339-2353. [PMID: 34459880 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab281] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Production of functional cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells requires tight control of the differentiation process. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert critical regulatory function in cell specification during development. In this study, we designed an integrated approach to identify lncRNAs implicated in cardiogenesis in differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). METHODS AND RESULTS We identified CARMA (CARdiomyocyte Maturation-Associated lncRNA), a conserved lncRNA controlling cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation in human ESCs. CARMA is located adjacent to MIR-1-1HG, the host gene for two cardiogenic miRNAs: MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2, and transcribed in an antisense orientation. The expression of CARMA and the miRNAs is negatively correlated, and CARMA knockdown increases MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2 expression. In addition, CARMA possesses MIR-133a2 binding sites, suggesting the lncRNA could be also a target of miRNA action. Upon CARMA downregulation, MIR-133a2 target protein-coding genes are coordinately downregulated. Among those, we found RBPJ, the gene encoding the effector of the NOTCH pathway. NOTCH has been shown to control a binary cell fate decision between the mesoderm and the neuroectoderm lineages, and NOTCH inhibition leads to enhanced cardiomyocyte differentiation at the expense of neuroectodermal derivatives. Interestingly, two lncRNAs, linc1230 and linc1335, which are known repressors of neuroectodermal specification, were found upregulated upon Notch1 silencing in ESCs. Forced expression of either linc1230 or linc1335 improved ESC-derived cardiomyocyte production. These two lncRNAs were also found upregulated following CARMA knockdown in ESCs. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these data suggest the existence of a network, implicating three newly identified lncRNAs, the two myomirs MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2 and the NOTCH signaling pathway, for the coordinated regulation of cardiogenic differentiation in ESCs. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE Cardiac dysfunction and heart failure develop secondary to a massive loss of cardiomyocytes in the damaged myocardium. Several avenues have been evaluated to promote regeneration following injury. Cell therapy for heart disease envisages the production of functional cardiomyocytes from differentiating pluripotent stem cells prior transfer into the injured heart muscle. Here, we report the functional characterization of CARMA, a lncRNA implicated in cardiogenesis. CARMA knockdown in differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) promotes cardiogenic commitment and cardiomyocyte differentiation. CARMA represents therefore a novel target for improving human ESC-derived cardiomyocyte production, and cell-based regenerative strategies for heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kay
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bahram M Soltani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Parisa Aghagolzadeh
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Iole Pezzuto
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Ruberto
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fatemeh Movahedi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Ansari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Divison of Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
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5
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Aghagolzadeh P, Bernasconi R, Nemir M, Khalil H, Pulido C, Chouvardas P, Johnson R, Pedrazzini T. Single-cell analysis of the long noncoding RNA transcriptome identifies novel therapeutic targets for cardiac fibrosis. Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Supplements 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2020.03.105] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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6
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Ruberto F, Maric D, Tatjana K, Braga L, Nemir M, Sarre A, Manley S, Giacca M, Pedrazzini T. Clipper, a novel lncRNA regulating cardiomyocyte mitochondrial biogenesis and proliferation. Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases Supplements 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvdsp.2020.03.081] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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7
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Plaisance I, Nemir M, Silakhor PA, Chouvardas P, de los Reyes S, Khalil H, Johnson R, Pedrazzini T. CARMEN-201, a specific isoform of an enhancer-associated long noncoding RNA controls smooth-muscle lineage specification in human cardiac precursor. Cytotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.03.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Micheletti R, Plaisance I, Abraham BJ, Sarre A, Ting CC, Alexanian M, Maric D, Maison D, Nemir M, Young RA, Schroen B, González A, Ounzain S, Pedrazzini T. The long noncoding RNA Wisper controls cardiac fibrosis and remodeling. Sci Transl Med 2018. [PMID: 28637928 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aai9118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [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
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as powerful regulators of cardiac development and disease. However, our understanding of the importance of these molecules in cardiac fibrosis is limited. Using an integrated genomic screen, we identified Wisper (Wisp2 super-enhancer-associated RNA) as a cardiac fibroblast-enriched lncRNA that regulates cardiac fibrosis after injury. Wisper expression was correlated with cardiac fibrosis both in a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI) and in heart tissue from human patients suffering from aortic stenosis. Loss-of-function approaches in vitro using modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) demonstrated that Wisper is a specific regulator of cardiac fibroblast proliferation, migration, and survival. Accordingly, ASO-mediated silencing of Wisper in vivo attenuated MI-induced fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. Functionally, Wisper regulates cardiac fibroblast gene expression programs critical for cell identity, extracellular matrix deposition, proliferation, and survival. In addition, its association with TIA1-related protein allows it to control the expression of a profibrotic form of lysyl hydroxylase 2, implicated in collagen cross-linking and stabilization of the matrix. Together, our findings identify Wisper as a cardiac fibroblast-enriched super-enhancer-associated lncRNA that represents an attractive therapeutic target to reduce the pathological development of cardiac fibrosis in response to MI and prevent adverse remodeling in the damaged heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudi Micheletti
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brian J Abraham
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ching-Chia Ting
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Alexanian
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Maric
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Damien Maison
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Richard A Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Blanche Schroen
- Center for Heart Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Arantxa González
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,National Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samir Ounzain
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Plaisance I, Perruchoud S, Fernandez-Tenorio M, Gonzales C, Ounzain S, Ruchat P, Nemir M, Niggli E, Pedrazzini T. Cardiomyocyte Lineage Specification in Adult Human Cardiac Precursor Cells Via Modulation of Enhancer-Associated Long Noncoding RNA Expression. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2016; 1:472-493. [PMID: 29707678 PMCID: PMC5916868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human CPCs produce predominantly smooth muscle cells. CPCs can be redirected to the cardiomyocyte fate by transient activation followed by inhibition of NOTCH signaling. Inhibition of NOTCH signaling during differentiation represses MIR-143/145 expression and blocks smooth muscle differentiation. Expression of the microRNAs is under control of CARMEN, a long noncoding RNA associated with an enhancer located in the MIR-143/145 locus and target of NOTCH signaling. The CARMEN/MIR-145/143 locus represents a promising therapeutic target to favor production of cardiomyocytes in cell replacement therapies.
The mechanisms controlling differentiation in adult cardiac precursor cells (CPCs) are still largely unknown. In this study, CPCs isolated from the human heart were found to produce predominantly smooth muscle cells but could be redirected to the cardiomyocyte fate by transient activation followed by inhibition of NOTCH signaling. NOTCH inhibition repressed MIR-143/145 expression, and blocked smooth muscle differentiation. Expression of the microRNAs is under control of CARMEN, a long noncoding RNA associated with an enhancer located in the MIR-143/145 locus and target of NOTCH signaling. The CARMEN/MIR-145/143 axis represents, therefore, a promising target to favor production of cardiomyocytes in cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Perruchoud
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Christine Gonzales
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Samir Ounzain
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Ruchat
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ernst Niggli
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Reprint requests and correspondence: Dr. Thierry Pedrazzini, Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Crippa S, Nemir M, Ounzain S, Ibberson M, Berthonneche C, Sarre A, Boisset G, Maison D, Harshman K, Xenarios I, Diviani D, Schorderet D, Pedrazzini T. Comparative transcriptome profiling of the injured zebrafish and mouse hearts identifies miRNA-dependent repair pathways. Cardiovasc Res 2016; 110:73-84. [PMID: 26857418 PMCID: PMC4798047 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims The adult mammalian heart has poor regenerative capacity. In contrast, the zebrafish heart retains a robust capacity for regeneration into adulthood. These distinct responses are consequences of a differential utilization of evolutionary-conserved gene regulatory networks in the damaged heart. To systematically identify miRNA-dependent networks controlling cardiac repair following injury, we performed comparative gene and miRNA profiling of the cardiac transcriptome in adult mice and zebrafish. Methods and results Using an integrated approach, we show that 45 miRNA-dependent networks, involved in critical biological pathways, are differentially modulated in the injured zebrafish vs. mouse hearts. We study, more particularly, the miR-26a-dependent response. Therefore, miR-26a is down-regulated in the fish heart after injury, whereas its expression remains constant in the mouse heart. Targets of miR-26a involve activators of the cell cycle and Ezh2, a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Importantly, PRC2 exerts repressive functions on negative regulators of the cell cycle. In cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, inhibition of miR-26a stimulates, therefore, cardiomyocyte proliferation. Accordingly, miR-26a knockdown prolongs the proliferative window of cardiomyocytes in the post-natal mouse heart. Conclusions This novel strategy identifies a series of miRNAs and associated pathways, in particular miR-26a, which represent attractive therapeutic targets for inducing repair in the injured heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Crippa
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Samir Ounzain
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Mark Ibberson
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Berthonneche
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gaëlle Boisset
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Damien Maison
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | - Keith Harshman
- Lausanne Genomic Technologies Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Diviani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
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11
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Metrich M, Bezdek Pomey A, Berthonneche C, Sarre A, Nemir M, Pedrazzini T. Jagged1 intracellular domain-mediated inhibition of Notch1 signalling regulates cardiac homeostasis in the postnatal heart. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 108:74-86. [PMID: 26249804 PMCID: PMC4571837 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Notch1 signalling in the heart is mainly activated via expression of Jagged1 on the surface of cardiomyocytes. Notch controls cardiomyocyte proliferation and differentiation in the developing heart and regulates cardiac remodelling in the stressed adult heart. Besides canonical Notch receptor activation in signal-receiving cells, Notch ligands can also activate Notch receptor-independent responses in signal-sending cells via release of their intracellular domain. We evaluated therefore the importance of Jagged1 (J1) intracellular domain (ICD)-mediated pathways in the postnatal heart. Methods and results In cardiomyocytes, Jagged1 releases J1ICD, which then translocates into the nucleus and down-regulates Notch transcriptional activity. To study the importance of J1ICD in cardiac homeostasis, we generated transgenic mice expressing a tamoxifen-inducible form of J1ICD, specifically in cardiomyocytes. Using this model, we demonstrate that J1ICD-mediated Notch inhibition diminishes proliferation in the neonatal cardiomyocyte population and promotes maturation. In the neonatal heart, a response via Wnt and Akt pathway activation is elicited as an attempt to compensate for the deficit in cardiomyocyte number resulting from J1ICD activation. In the stressed adult heart, J1ICD activation results in a dramatic reduction of the number of Notch signalling cardiomyocytes, blunts the hypertrophic response, and reduces the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Consistently, this occurs concomitantly with a significant down-regulation of the phosphorylation of the Akt effectors ribosomal S6 protein (S6) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein1 (4EBP1) controlling protein synthesis. Conclusions Altogether, these data demonstrate the importance of J1ICD in the modulation of physiological and pathological hypertrophy, and reveal the existence of a novel pathway regulating cardiac homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Metrich
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - April Bezdek Pomey
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Berthonneche
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Ounzain S, Micheletti R, Beckmann T, Schroen B, Alexanian M, Pezzuto I, Crippa S, Nemir M, Sarre A, Johnson R, Dauvillier J, Burdet F, Ibberson M, Guigó R, Xenarios I, Heymans S, Pedrazzini T. Genome-wide profiling of the cardiac transcriptome after myocardial infarction identifies novel heart-specific long non-coding RNAs. Eur Heart J 2015; 36:353-68a. [PMID: 24786300 PMCID: PMC4320320 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Heart disease is recognized as a consequence of dysregulation of cardiac gene regulatory networks. Previously, unappreciated components of such networks are the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Their roles in the heart remain to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to systematically characterize the cardiac long non-coding transcriptome post-myocardial infarction and to elucidate their potential roles in cardiac homoeostasis. METHODS AND RESULTS We annotated the mouse transcriptome after myocardial infarction via RNA sequencing and ab initio transcript reconstruction, and integrated genome-wide approaches to associate specific lncRNAs with developmental processes and physiological parameters. Expression of specific lncRNAs strongly correlated with defined parameters of cardiac dimensions and function. Using chromatin maps to infer lncRNA function, we identified many with potential roles in cardiogenesis and pathological remodelling. The vast majority was associated with active cardiac-specific enhancers. Importantly, oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown implicated novel lncRNAs in controlling expression of key regulatory proteins involved in cardiogenesis. Finally, we identified hundreds of human orthologues and demonstrate that particular candidates were differentially modulated in human heart disease. CONCLUSION These findings reveal hundreds of novel heart-specific lncRNAs with unique regulatory and functional characteristics relevant to maladaptive remodelling, cardiac function and possibly cardiac regeneration. This new class of molecules represents potential therapeutic targets for cardiac disease. Furthermore, their exquisite correlation with cardiac physiology renders them attractive candidate biomarkers to be used in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Ounzain
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rudi Micheletti
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tal Beckmann
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blanche Schroen
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Alexanian
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Iole Pezzuto
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Crippa
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Jérôme Dauvillier
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Burdet
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mark Ibberson
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Ioannis Xenarios
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Centre for Heart Failure Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Ounzain S, Pezzuto I, Micheletti R, Burdet F, Sheta R, Nemir M, Gonzales C, Sarre A, Alexanian M, Blow MJ, May D, Johnson R, Dauvillier J, Pennacchio LA, Pedrazzini T. Functional importance of cardiac enhancer-associated noncoding RNAs in heart development and disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2014; 76:55-70. [PMID: 25149110 PMCID: PMC4445080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The key information processing units within gene regulatory networks are enhancers. Enhancer activity is associated with the production of tissue-specific noncoding RNAs, yet the existence of such transcripts during cardiac development has not been established. Using an integrated genomic approach, we demonstrate that fetal cardiac enhancers generate long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during cardiac differentiation and morphogenesis. Enhancer expression correlates with the emergence of active enhancer chromatin states, the initiation of RNA polymerase II at enhancer loci and expression of target genes. Orthologous human sequences are also transcribed in fetal human hearts and cardiac progenitor cells. Through a systematic bioinformatic analysis, we identified and characterized, for the first time, a catalog of lncRNAs that are expressed during embryonic stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes and associated with active cardiac enhancer sequences. RNA-sequencing demonstrates that many of these transcripts are polyadenylated, multi-exonic long noncoding RNAs. Moreover, knockdown of two enhancer-associated lncRNAs resulted in the specific downregulation of their predicted target genes. Interestingly, the reactivation of the fetal gene program, a hallmark of the stress response in the adult heart, is accompanied by increased expression of fetal cardiac enhancer transcripts. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that the activity of cardiac enhancers and expression of their target genes are associated with the production of enhancer-derived lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Ounzain
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Iole Pezzuto
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rudi Micheletti
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Burdet
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Razan Sheta
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christine Gonzales
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Alexanian
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J Blow
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Dalit May
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Rory Johnson
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Group, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jérôme Dauvillier
- VitalIT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA; US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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14
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Nemir M, Metrich M, Plaisance I, Lepore M, Cruchet S, Berthonneche C, Sarre A, Radtke F, Pedrazzini T. The Notch pathway controls fibrotic and regenerative repair in the adult heart. Eur Heart J 2012; 35:2174-85. [PMID: 23166366 PMCID: PMC4139705 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehs269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims In the adult heart, Notch signalling regulates the response to injury. Notch inhibition leads to increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and exacerbates the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. The role of Notch in the mesenchymal stromal cell fraction, which contains cardiac fibroblasts and cardiac precursor cells, is, however, largely unknown. In the present study, we evaluate, therefore, whether forced activation of the Notch pathway in mesenchymal stromal cells regulates pathological cardiac remodelling. Methods and results We generated transgenic mice overexpressing the Notch ligand Jagged1 on the surface of cardiomyocytes to activate Notch signalling in adjacent myocyte and non-myocyte cells. In neonatal transgenic mice, activated Notch sustained cardiac precursor and myocyte proliferation after birth, and led to increased numbers of cardiac myocytes in adult mice. In the adult heart under pressure overload, Notch inhibited the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and transforming growth factor-β/connective tissue growth factor-mediated cardiac fibrosis. Most importantly, Notch activation in the stressed adult heart reduced the proliferation of myofibroblasts and stimulated the expansion of stem cell antigen-1-positive cells, and in particular of Nkx2.5-positive cardiac precursor cells. Conclusions We conclude that Notch is pivotal in the healing process of the injured heart. Specifically, Notch regulates key cellular mechanisms in the mesenchymal stromal cell population, and thereby controls the balance between fibrotic and regenerative repair in the adult heart. Altogether, these findings indicate that Notch represents a unique therapeutic target for inducing regeneration in the adult heart via mobilization of cardiac precursor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nemir
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Metrich
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Plaisance
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Lepore
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steeve Cruchet
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Berthonneche
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Sarre
- Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Freddy Radtke
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Experimental Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Rue du Bugnon 27, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland Cardiovascular Assessment Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Schoenauer R, Emmert MY, Felley A, Ehler E, Brokopp C, Weber B, Nemir M, Faggian GG, Pedrazzini T, Falk V, Hoerstrup SP, Agarkova I. EH-myomesin splice isoform is a novel marker for dilated cardiomyopathy. Basic Res Cardiol 2010; 106:233-47. [PMID: 21069531 PMCID: PMC3032906 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-010-0131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The M-band is the prominent cytoskeletal structure that cross-links the myosin and titin filaments in the middle of the sarcomere. To investigate M-band alterations in heart disease, we analyzed the expression of its main components, proteins of the myomesin family, in mouse and human cardiomyopathy. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and compared to the expression pattern of myomesins evaluated with RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescent analysis. Disease progression in transgenic mouse models for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was accompanied by specific M-band alterations. The dominant splice isoform in the embryonic heart, EH-myomesin, was strongly up-regulated in the failing heart and correlated with a decrease in cardiac function (R = −0.86). In addition, we have analyzed the expressions of myomesins in human myocardial biopsies (N = 40) obtained from DCM patients, DCM patients supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and controls. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the EH-myomesin isoform was up-regulated 41-fold (P < 0.001) in the DCM patients compared to control patients. In DCM hearts supported by a LVAD and HCM hearts, the EH-myomesin expression was comparable to controls. Immunofluorescent analyses indicate that EH-myomesin was enhanced in a cell-specific manner, leading to a higher heterogeneity of the myocytes’ cytoskeleton through the myocardial wall. We suggest that the up-regulation of EH-myomesin denotes an adaptive remodeling of the sarcomere cytoskeleton in the dilated heart and might serve as a marker for DCM in mouse and human myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Schoenauer
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Y. Emmert
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Allison Felley
- Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Ehler
- The Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics and the Cardiovascular Division, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Chad Brokopp
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Weber
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Nemir
- Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe G. Faggian
- Division of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Thierry Pedrazzini
- Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Volkmar Falk
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon P. Hoerstrup
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irina Agarkova
- Swiss Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Nemir M, Lepore M, Cruchet S, Felley A, Berthonneche C, Pedrazzini T. J007 Cardiac remodeling following chronic activation of the Notch signaling pathway. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-2136(09)72382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Croquelois A, Domenighetti AA, Nemir M, Lepore M, Rosenblatt-Velin N, Radtke F, Pedrazzini T. Control of the adaptive response of the heart to stress via the Notch1 receptor pathway. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 2008. [DOI: 10.1083/jcb1836oia16] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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18
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Croquelois A, Domenighetti AA, Nemir M, Lepore M, Rosenblatt-Velin N, Radtke F, Pedrazzini T. Control of the adaptive response of the heart to stress via the Notch1 receptor pathway. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 205:3173-85. [PMID: 19064701 PMCID: PMC2605223 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20081427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the damaged heart, cardiac adaptation relies primarily on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The recent discovery of cardiac stem cells in the postnatal heart, however, suggests that these cells could participate in the response to stress via their capacity to regenerate cardiac tissues. Using models of cardiac hypertrophy and failure, we demonstrate that components of the Notch pathway are up-regulated in the hypertrophic heart. The Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved cell-to-cell communication system, which is crucial in many developmental processes. Notch also plays key roles in the regenerative capacity of self-renewing organs. In the heart, Notch1 signaling takes place in cardiomyocytes and in mesenchymal cardiac precursors and is activated secondary to stimulated Jagged1 expression on the surface of cardiomyocytes. Using mice lacking Notch1 expression specifically in the heart, we show that the Notch1 pathway controls pathophysiological cardiac remodeling. In the absence of Notch1, cardiac hypertrophy is exacerbated, fibrosis develops, function is altered, and the mortality rate increases. Therefore, in cardiomyocytes, Notch controls maturation, limits the extent of the hypertrophic response, and may thereby contribute to cell survival. In cardiac precursors, Notch prevents cardiogenic differentiation, favors proliferation, and may facilitate the expansion of a transient amplifying cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Croquelois
- Department of Medicine, University of Lausanne Medical School, Lausanne, Switzerland
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19
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Abstract
Embryonic stem cells represent an attractive source of cardiomyocytes for cell-replacement therapies. However, before embryonic stem cells can be successfully used for the treatment of cardiac diseases, the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie their cardiogenic differentiation must be identified. A network of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulates embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into a variety of different cell lineages. Here, we show that Notch signaling takes place in some but not all embryonic stem cells and that the Notch pathway is shut down during the course of differentiation concomitantly with downregulation of Notch receptor and ligand expression. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function experiments for Notch signaling components show that this pathway is a crucial regulator of cardiomyocyte differentiation within ES cells. Differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes is favored by inactivation of the Notch1 receptor, whereas endogenous Notch signaling promotes differentiation of ES cells into the neuronal lineage. We conclude that Notch signaling influences the cell fate decision between mesodermal and the neuroectodermal cell fates during embryonic stem cell differentiation. These findings should help to optimize the production of specific cell types via modulation of the Notch pathways and, in particular, to improve the production of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nemir
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University Lausanne, Epalinges VA 1066, Switzerland
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20
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Wolfer A, Wilson A, Nemir M, MacDonald HR, Radtke F. Inactivation of Notch1 impairs VDJbeta rearrangement and allows pre-TCR-independent survival of early alpha beta Lineage Thymocytes. Immunity 2002; 16:869-79. [PMID: 12121668 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-7613(02)00330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Notch proteins influence cell fate decisions in many developmental systems. During lymphoid development, Notch1 signaling is essential to direct a bipotent T/B precursor toward the T cell fate, but the role of Notch1 at later stages of T cell development remains controversial. We have recently reported that tissue-specific inactivation of Notch1 in immature (CD44(-) CD25(+)) thymocytes does not affect subsequent T cell development. Here, we demonstrate that loss of Notch1 signaling at an earlier (CD44(+)CD25(+)) developmental stage results in severe perturbation of alpha beta but not gamma delta lineage development. Immature Notch1(-/-) thymocytes show impaired VDJ beta rearrangement and aberrant pre-TCR-independent survival. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Notch1 controls several nonredundant functions necessary for alpha beta lineage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Wolfer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
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21
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Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are totipotent cells that can differentiate into a large number of different cell types. Stem cell-derived, differentiated cells are of increasing importance as a potential source for non-proliferating cells (e.g., cardiomyocytes or neurons) for future tissue engineering applications. Differentiation of ESC is initiated by the formation of embryoid bodies (EB). Current protocols for the generation of EB are either of limited productivity or deliver EB with a large variation in size and differentiation state. To establish an efficient and robust EB production process, we encapsulated mouse ESC into alginate microbeads using various microencapsulation technologies. Microencapsulation and culturing of ESC in 1.1% alginate microbeads gives rise to discoid colonies, which further differentiate within the beads to cystic EB and later to EB containing spontaneously beating areas. However, if ESC are encapsulated into 1.6% alginate microbeads, differentiation is inhibited at the morula-like stage, so that no cystic EB can be formed within the beads. ESC colonies, which are released from 1.6% alginate microbeads, can further differentiate to cystic EB with beating cardiomyocytes. Extended supplementation of the growth medium with retinoic acid promotes differentiation to smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Magyar
- Institute of Cell Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH-Hönggerberg, Zurich.
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Nemir M, Bhattacharyya D, Li X, Singh K, Mukherjee AB, Mukherjee BB. Targeted inhibition of osteopontin expression in the mammary gland causes abnormal morphogenesis and lactation deficiency. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:969-76. [PMID: 10625634 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.2.969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a sialic acid-rich, adhesive, extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with Arg-Gly-Asp cell-binding sequence that interacts with several integrins, including alpha(v)beta(3). Since the ECM is a key regulator of mammary gland morphogenesis, and mammary epithelial cells express OPN at elevated levels, we sought to determine whether this protein plays a role in the postnatal mammary gland development. By generating transgenic mice that express OPN antisense-RNA (AS-OPN mice) in the mammary epithelia we achieved suppression of OPN production in this organ. The pregnant AS-OPN mice displayed a lack of mammary alveolar structures, a drastic reduction in the synthesis of beta-casein, whey acidic milk protein, and lactation deficiency. In agreement with these findings, we uncovered that a mammary cell line, NMuMG, which undergoes both structural and functional differentiation on ECM-coated plates, when transfected with an antisense OPN-cDNA construct, failed to undergo such differentiation. Furthermore, the results of gel-invasion assays demonstrated that these cells manifest elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity when OPN expression is significantly reduced. The identity of this proteinase as MMP-2 is confirmed by Western blotting, zymography, and inhibition of its activity by a specific inhibitor, TIMP-2. Taken together, our results demonstrate, for the first time, an essential role of OPN in mammary gland differentiation and that the molecular mechanism(s) of its action, at least in part, involves down-regulation of MMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nemir
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
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23
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Chackalaparampil I, Peri A, Nemir M, Mckee MD, Lin PH, Mukherjee BB, Mukherjee AB. Cells in vivo and in vitro from osteopetrotic mice homozygous for c-src disruption show suppression of synthesis of osteopontin, a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein. Oncogene 1996; 12:1457-67. [PMID: 8622862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mice carrying homozygous disruption of the c-src proto-oncogene (Src-/-) develop osteopetrosis due to an impaired ability of osteoclasts to adhere to the bone surface and/or to form bone-resorbing ruffled border. It has also been reported that osteopontin (OPN), a secreted phosphoprotein, mediates osteoclast adherence to the bone matrix. We report here that cells from Src-/- mice, both in vitro and in vivo, express OPN mRNA and protein at a significantly reduced level as compared to cells from Src+/- and +/+ animals, suggesting a potential role for the proto-oncogene c-src in the regulation of OPN gene expression. Our data also show that OPN gene expression can be induced by treatment of SR-/- cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Results obtained from studies using inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and protein kinase C (PKC) suggest that PKC and RTK are positioned in a pathway with PKC as the downstream effector for the EGF-induced OPN gene expression in SRC-/- cells, and that pp60c-src and EGF may regulate OPN gene expression through a common signalling pathway. Furthermore, contrary to published reports, our study shows that EGF-mediated cell signalling does not require functional interaction between the EGF-receptor and pp60c-src.
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Mukherjee BB, Nemir M, Beninati S, Cordella-Miele E, Singh K, Chackalaparampil I, Shanmugam V, DeVouge MW, Mukherjee AB. Interaction of osteopontin with fibronectin and other extracellular matrix molecules. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995; 760:201-12. [PMID: 7785895 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1995.tb44631.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B B Mukherjee
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Nemir M, DeVouge MW, Mukherjee BB. Normal rat kidney cells secrete both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of osteopontin showing different physiological properties. J Biol Chem 1989; 264:18202-8. [PMID: 2808373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have reported previously that the 69-kDa major phosphoprotein, secreted by normal rat kidney (NRK) cells, is osteopontin, a glycosylated bone matrix protein. Here we show that this 69-kDa osteopontin is secreted by NRK cells in both phosphorylated (pp69) and nonphosphorylated (np69) forms, with estimated isoelectric points of 3.8 and 4.5, respectively. Electrophoretic analysis of radioiodinated cell surface proteins immunoprecipitated with an anti-69-kDa osteopontin serum, demonstrates that the 69-kDa osteopontin is also present on the cell surface, but only its phosphorylated form (pp69) shows such cell surface association. Because osteopontin mediates cell adhesion and spreading, and contains an Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser cell-binding sequence, our observations strongly suggest that the cell surface localization of pp69 osteopontin is receptor-mediated, and the modification by phosphorylation may be crucial for its receptor binding activity. We also report that antisera directed against either fibronectin or 69-kDa osteopontin co-immunoprecipitate both np69 osteopontin and fibronectin as a heat-dissociable complex. In contrast, pp69 osteopontin does not co-precipitate with fibronectin. These observations demonstrate an interactive relationship between np69 and soluble fibronectin. Furthermore, compared to NRK cells, vanadyl sulfate-treated NRK cells which acquire a reversible transformed phenotype, including anchorage-independent growth, show increased levels of pp69 on the cell surface, concomitant with significantly decreased levels of pp69 and elevated levels of np69 in the conditioned media. The data presented here establish transformation sensitivity of NRK cell-secreted osteopontin with respect to its secretion and cell surface localization, and demonstrate that phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated forms of osteopontin have different physiological properties, which may regulate the functional roles of this extracellular matrix protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nemir
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Craig AM, Nemir M, Mukherjee BB, Chambers AF, Denhardt DT. Identification of the major phosphoprotein secreted by many rodent cell lines as 2ar/osteopontin: enhanced expression in H-ras-transformed 3T3 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1988; 157:166-73. [PMID: 3058125 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(88)80028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
/ar, a tumor promoter-inducible protein secreted by mouse JB6 epidermal cells, is the murine homolog of rat osteopontin, or 44 kD bone phosphoprotein. We report here that 2ar is also related to pp69, a major phosphoprotein secreted by normal rat kidney cells. Antisera raised against pp69 and against beta-galactosidase-2ar fusion proteins are able to immunoprecipitate the same major phosphoproteins, of apparent Mr 55-69 kD, secreted by several rat and mouse cell lines. The levels of secreted protein and cytoplasmic mRNA are dramatically elevated in NIH 3T3 cells transformed with the human bladder cancer T24 (H-ras) oncogene. These results and the work of Senger and colleagues (Cancer Res., 45, 5818-5823, 1985) imply that enhanced secretion of 2ar/pp69/osteopontin by transformation of a wide variety of mammalian fibroblasts and epithelial cells is often correlated with tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Craig
- Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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