Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Fate Research Articles

Regulation of Ptbp1-controlled alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle by Liver kinase b1 governs vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity in vivo.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity is a state in which VSMCs undergo phenotypic switching from a quiescent contractile phenotype into other functionally distinct phenotypes. Although emerging evidence suggest that VSMC plasticity plays critical roles in the development of vascular diseases, little is known about the key determinant for controlling VSMC plasticity and fate. We found that smooth muscle cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 in tamoxifen-inducible Lkb1flox/flox; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice spontaneously and progressively induced aortic/arterial dilation, aneurysm, rupture, and premature death. Single-cell RNA sequencing and imaging-based lineage tracing showed that Lkb1-deficient VSMCs transdifferentiated gradually from early modulated VSMCs to fibroblast-like and chondrocyte-like cells, leading to ossification and blood-vessel rupture. Mechanistically, Lkb1 regulates polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) expression and controls alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoforms 1 and 2. Lkb1 loss in VSMC results in an increased PKM2/PKM1 ratio and alters the metabolic profile by promoting aerobic glycolysis. Treatment with PKM2 activator TEPP-46 rescues VSMC transformation and aortic dilation in Lkb1flox/flox; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice. Furthermore, we found that Lkb1 expression decreased in human aortic aneurysm tissue compared to control tissue, along with changes in markers of VSMC fate. Lkb1, via its regulation of Ptbp1-dependent alterative splicing of PKM, maintains VSMC in contractile states by suppressing VSMC plasticity.

EIF2α-mediated integrated stress response links multiple intracellular signaling pathways to reprogram vascular smooth muscle cell fate in carotid artery plaque

BackgroundCarotid arterial atherosclerotic stenosis is a well-recognized pathological basis of ischemic stroke; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play fundamental roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Organelle dynamics have been reported to affect atherosclerosis development. However, the association between organelle dynamics and various cellular stresses in atherosclerotic progression remain ambiguous. MethodsIn this study, we conducted transcriptomics and bioinformatics analyses of stable and vulnerable carotid plaques. Primary VSMCs were isolated from carotid plaques and subjected to histopathological staining to determine their expression profiles. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and lysosome dynamics were observed in primary VSMCs and VSMC cell lines using live-cell imaging. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying disordered organelle dynamics were investigated using comprehensive biological approaches. ResultsER whorls, a representative structural change under ER stress, are prominent dynamic reconstructions of VSMCs between vulnerable and stable plaques, followed by fragmented mitochondria and enlarged lysosomes, suggesting mitochondrial stress and lysosomal defects, respectively. Induction of mitochondrial stress alleviated ER stress and autophagy in an eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)-2α-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effects of eIF2α on ER stress, mitochondrial stress, and lysosomal defects were validated using clinical samples. ConclusionOur results indicate that morphological and functional changes in VSMC organelles, especially in ER whorls, can be used as reliable biomarkers for atherosclerotic progression. Moreover, eIF2α plays an important role in integrating multiple stress-signaling pathways to determine the behavior and fate of VSMCs.

The Multifunctional Sorting Protein PACS-2 Controls Mitophagosome Formation in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Mitochondria-ER Contact Sites.

Mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) are crucial for lipid transport and synthesis, calcium exchange, and mitochondrial functions, and they also act as signaling platforms. These contact sites also play a critical role in the decision between autophagy and apoptosis with far reaching implications for cell fate. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis accelerates atherogenesis and the progression of advanced lesions, leading to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and medial degeneration. Though the successful autophagy of damaged mitochondria promotes VSMC survival against pro-apoptotic atherogenic stressors, it is unknown whether MAMs are involved in VSMC mitophagy processes. Here, we investigated the role of the multifunctional MAM protein phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (PACS-2) in regulating VSMC survival following a challenge by atherogenic lipids. Using high-resolution confocal microscopy and proximity ligation assays, we found an increase in MAM contacts as in PACS-2-associated MAMs upon stimulation with atherogenic lipids. Correspondingly, the disruption of MAM contacts by PACS-2 knockdown impaired mitophagosome formation and mitophagy, thus potentiating VSMC apoptosis. In conclusion, our data shed new light on the significance of the MAM modulatory protein PACS-2 in vascular cell physiopathology and suggest MAMs may be a new target to modulate VSMC fate and favor atherosclerotic plaque stability.

Micromechanics of elastic lamellae: unravelling the role of structural inhomogeneity in multi-scale arterial mechanics.

Microstructural deformation of elastic lamellae plays important roles in maintaining arterial tissue homeostasis and regulating vascular smooth muscle cell fate. Our study unravels the underlying microstructural origin that enables elastic lamellar layers to evenly distribute the stresses through the arterial wall caused by intraluminal distending pressure, a fundamental requirement for tissue and cellular function. A new experimental approach was developed to quantify the spatial organization and unfolding of elastic lamellar layers under pressurization in mouse carotid arteries by coupling physiological extension-inflation and multiphoton imaging. Tissue-level circumferential stretch was obtained from analysis of the deformation of a thick-walled cylinder. Our results show that the unfolding and extension of lamellar layers contribute simultaneously to tissue-level deformation. The inner lamellar layers are wavier and unfold more than the outer layers. This waviness gradient compensates the larger tissue circumferential stretch experienced at the inner surface, thus equalizing lamellar layer extension through the arterial wall. Discoveries from this study reveal the importance of structural inhomogeneity in maintaining tissue homeostasis through the arterial wall, and may have profound implications on vascular remodelling in aging and diseases, as well as in tissue engineering of functional blood vessels.

Regulation of geminin by neuropeptideY in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation : Acurrent review.

Geminin, akey regulator of DNA replication licensing in thecell cycle, plays an essential role in determining the fate of cells via suppression of cell proliferation and cellular differentiation. NeuropeptideY (NPY) intensifies the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) directly by binding with Y1 receptors. In vitro experiments have shown that stimulation of NPY on VSMCs via regulation of geminin is adouble-edged sword. Given that the proliferation and the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs increase the risk for progression of atherosclerosis, we focus on the role of geminin interference in determining the fate of VSMCs. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of peripheral neurotransmitter interference, thus pointing toward future research directions in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Meet the First Authors.

Meet the First Authors.

THO Complex-Dependent Posttranscriptional Control Contributes to Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Fate Decision.

Modulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype plays a fundamental role in vascular development and diseases. Although extensive studies uncovered the roles of transcriptional regulation in VSMC-specific gene expression, how posttranscriptional regulation contributes to VSMC fate decisions remains to be determined. To establish THO complex-dependent VSMC gene expression as a novel regulatory basis controlling VSMC phenotypes. Immunohistochemical staining against THOC2 and THOC5, 2 components of the THO complex, revealed a dramatic reduction in their expression in human arteries undergoing carotid endarterectomy compared with normal internal mammary arteries. Silencing of THOC2 or THOC5 led to dedifferentiation of VSMCs in vitro, characterized by decreased VSMC marker gene expression and increased migration and proliferation. Furthermore, RNA high-throughput sequencing (Seq) revealed that THOC5 silencing closely resembled the gene expression changes induced on PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-BB/PDGF-DD treatments in cultured VSMCs. Mechanistically, THOC2 and THOC5 physically interacted with and functionally relied on each other to bind to specific motifs on VSMC marker gene mRNAs. Interestingly, mRNAs that lost THOC2 or THOC5 binding during VSMC dedifferentiation were enriched for genes important for the differentiated VSMC phenotype. Last, THOC5 overexpression in injured rat carotid arteries significantly repressed loss of VSMC marker gene expression and neointima formation. Our data introduce dynamic binding of THO to VSMC marker gene mRNAs as a novel mechanism contributing to VSMC phenotypic switching and imply THOC5 as a potential intervention node for vascular diseases.

Abstract 298: Effects of Long-Term Autophagy Inhibition With Chloroquine on the Development and Progression of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a significant cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity. Although several mechanisms have been put forth, the central determinants of progressive AAA development appear to involve heightened vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis, with increased degradation of the extracellular matrix, in the setting of chronic inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that autophagy genes are deregulated in human AAA and that autophagy may modulate VSMC fate and plasticity. We sought to determine if long-term autophagy inhibition with chloroquine attenuates AAA progression and mortality in an experimental model of AAA. ApoE-/- mice were implanted with miniosmotic pumps containing either saline (n=15) or angiotensin II (Ang II; 1.44 mg/kg/day) (n=27). Mice from each group were subdivided and administered either the potent autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or saline for 8 weeks. Hemodynamics, abdominal aortic diameter (by ultrasound) and mortality were monitored. Necroscopy evaluations, histological and immunohistological staining for markers of autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation were conducted. Kaplan-Meier estimates were compared between the four groups over the 8-week follow-up. Ang II infusion was associated with a cumulative mortality of 38%. Long-term chloroquine treatment did not alter Ang II-associated mortality (43%, p>0.05 vs. saline-treated group). When rupture-related AAA mortality was specifically evaluated, no difference between the Ang II groups was observed. Maximal luminal diameter of the abdominal aorta was similar between the Ang II-infused groups (Saline: 1.88±0.13 mm vs. Chloroquine: 1.97± 0.17 mm, p>0.05). Ang II infusion also significantly increased MAP, an effect that was unaffected by chloroquine treatment (Saline: 140±16 mmHg vs. Chloroquine: 135±11 mmHg, p>0.05). Long term chloroquine administration does not alter the development and/or natural history of experimental AAA. These data suggest that a global and non-specific autophagy inhibition strategy is unlikely to represent a target for intervention for AAA. Whether cell- and/or gene-specific targeting of the autophagy machinery improves AAA outcomes remains to be determined.

Abstract P321: Oxidative Stress Induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Activates DNA Damage Responses in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: A Possible Mechanism for Atherosclerosis Progression

Backgrounds: Oxidative stress is thought to be a pathogenic mediator of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress induces DNA damage, and the unrepaired or improperly repaired DNA damage increases genomic instability, which cause cell death, senescence, or dysregulation of cellular functions. Pathogenesis of both Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome and Werner syndrome, which feature prominent atherosclerotic disease at young age, involves impaired DNA repair and the resultant genomic instability. The purpose of this study is to determine whether oxidative stress causes DNA damage in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and to elucidate the role of DNA damage responses in atherosclerosis and the fate of VSMC. Methods and Results: Immunoreactivity against gamma-H2AX, a sensitive marker for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which is the most severe form of DNA damage, was increased in human atherosclerotic plaques, but not in the adjacent normal areas. gamma-H2AX staining was observed in almost same regions where 8-oxo-dG immunoreactivity, an oxidative modification of DNA, was observed. Apoptotic cells were abundant in atherosclerotic lesions, but not in normal areas. In cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASM), 15 min incubation with H2O2 (100 microM) induced foci formation of gamma-H2AX in the nuclei. H2O2 activated various signaling molecules involved in DNA damage responses, including ATM, Chk2, DNA-PK and p53 in HASM. Some H2O2-induced DSBs persisted after 24 hours, at which point apoptosis was induced in 7.1 ± 1.3 % of HASM, as detected by TUNEL method. Knockdown experiments using siRNA revealed that ATM-, DNA-PK-, or Chk2-deficient VSMC were more resistant to H2O2-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: In summary, 1) DNA double-strand breaks were accumulated in human atherosclerotic plaques, 2) oxidative stress induced double-strand breaks and activation of DNA damage response in vascular smooth muscle cells, and 3) impairment of DNA damage responses modulated damage-induced cell fate such as apoptosis. Thus, DNA damage itself or alteration in DNA damage responses may be involved in the mechanisms for progression of atherosclerosis.

Caveolin-1: a critical regulator of pulmonary vascular architecture and nitric oxide bioavailability in pulmonary hypertension

caveolae are 50- to 100-nm ω-shaped invaginations of the cell surface plasma membrane enriched in glycosphingolipids and cholesterol that occur in a variety of cell types including epithelial and endothelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and adipocytes ([1][1]). These structures

Caveolin-1 can regulate vascular smooth muscle cell fate by switching platelet-derived growth factor signaling from a proliferative to an apoptotic pathway.

Caveolin-1 is a regulator of signaling events originating from plasma membrane microdomains termed caveolae. This study was performed to determine the regulatory role of caveolin-1 on the proliferative events induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Treatment of VSMCs with PDGF for 24 hours resulted in a loss of caveolin-1 protein expression and plasma membrane-associated caveolae, despite a 3-fold increase in caveolin-1 mRNA. Pretreatment of VSMCs with chloroquine, an inhibitor of lysosomal function, inhibited the PDGF-induced loss of caveolin-1. These studies demonstrated that caveolin-1 was a target of PDGF signaling events. Adenoviral overexpression of caveolin-1 was associated with a switch in PDGF-induced signaling events from a proliferative response to an apoptotic response. This overexpression inhibited PDGF-induced expression of cyclin D1 in the presence of unaffected mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Taken together, these studies suggest that caveolin-1 is an inhibitor of PDGF proliferative responses and might be capable of transforming PDGF-induced proliferative signals into death signals.

Intracellular superoxide induces apoptosis in VSMCs: role of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome C and caspases.

Apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an integral part of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension and restenosis. Here we studied the fate of VSMCs in response to intracellular superoxide stimulation. Diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DDC) was used to inhibit copper-zinc superoxide dismutase thereby increasing intracellular superoxide levels. The results show that DDC at a dose from 25-100 micro M is able to induce VSMC apoptosis. Superoxide was found to be responsible for DDC-induced apoptosis. In the apoptotic process mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased and caspase-3, -8 and -9 were activated. Surprisingly, neither cytochrome c release nor Bid cleavage could be observed. These data suggest a role for intracellular superoxide in the regulation of VSMCs apoptosis.