scholarly journals Mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell investment and phenotypic diversification in vascular diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Worssam ◽  
Helle F. Jørgensen
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Lineage Tracing ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Vascular Remodelling ◽  
Phenotypic Diversification

In contrast with the heart, the adult mammalian vasculature retains significant remodelling capacity, dysregulation of which is implicated in disease development. In particular, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play major roles in the pathological vascular remodelling characteristic of atherosclerosis, restenosis, aneurysm and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clonal lineage tracing revealed that the VSMC-contribution to disease results from the hyperproliferation of few pre-existing medial cells and suggested that VSMC-derived cells from the same clone can adopt diverse phenotypes. Studies harnessing the powerful combination of lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptomics have delineated the substantial diversity of VSMC-derived cells in vascular lesions, which are proposed to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on disease severity. Computational analyses further suggest that the pathway from contractile VSMCs in healthy arteries to phenotypically distinct lesional cells consists of multiple, potentially regulatable, steps. A better understanding of how individual steps are controlled could reveal effective therapeutic strategies to minimise VSMC functions that drive pathology whilst maintaining or enhancing their beneficial roles. Here we review current knowledge of VSMC plasticity and highlight important questions that should be addressed to understand how specific stages of VSMC investment and phenotypic diversification are controlled. Implications for developing therapeutic strategies in pathological vascular remodelling are discussed and we explore how cutting-edge approaches could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying VSMC regulation.

Regulation of differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. K. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Principal Function ◽  
Environmental Signals ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Genes Encoding

The vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) in mature animals is a highly specialized cell whose principal function is contraction. The fully differentiated or mature SMC proliferates at an extremely low rate and is a cell almost completely geared for contraction. It expresses a unique repertoire of contractile proteins, ion channels, and signaling molecules that are required for its contractile function and that when taken in aggregate clearly distinguish it from any other cell type. During vasculogenesis, however, the SMC's principal function is proliferation and production of matrix components of the blood vessel wall. Moreover, even in mature animals, the SMC retains remarkable plasticity, such that it can undergo relatively rapid and reversible changes in its phenotype in response to changes in local environmental cues normally required for maintenance of its differentiated state. A key to understanding SMC differentiation is to identify the key environmental signals and factors that induce or maintain the differentiated state of the SMC and to determine the molecular mechanisms that control the coordinate expression of genes encoding for proteins that are necessary for the contractile function of the SMC. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of the regulation of SMC differentiation, with a particular emphasis on consideration of how this process is controlled during normal vascular development and how these control processes might be altered in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, which are characterized by marked alterations in the differentiated state of the SMC.

scholarly journals 6A3-5/Osa2 is an Early Activated Gene Implicated in the Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions

2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Gwenaele Garin ◽  
Kazem Zibara ◽  
Frederick Aguilar ◽  
Ming Lo ◽  
Adam Hurlstone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Interaction Domain ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
New Family ◽  
Brain Cdna Library

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) growth plays a key role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling gene transcription in VSMC remain poorly understood. We previously identified, by differential display, a new gene (6A3-5) overexpressed in proliferating rat VSMC. In this study, we have cloned the full-length cDNA by screening a rat foetal brain cDNA library and investigated its functions. The 6A3-5 protein shows 4 putative conserved functional motifs: a DNA binding domain called ARID (AT-rich interaction domain), two recently described motifs (Osa Homology Domain), and a nuclear localization signal. The deduced protein sequence was observed to be 85% identical to the recently described human Osa2 gene. Immunolabelling, using an anti-6A3-5/Osa2 monoclonal antibody, showed a nuclear localization of the 6A3-5/Osa2 protein. In addition, PDGF upregulated 6A3-5/Osa2 expression at both the transcript and protein levels in a dose and time-dependent fashion. The pattern of upregulation by PDGF was reminiscent of the early responsive gene c-fos. The PDGF-induced upregulation of 6A3-5/Osa2 and proliferation of VSMC were significantly inhibited in a dose and sequence-dependent fashion by an antisense, but not by sense, scrambled or mismatched oligonucleotides directed against 6A3-5/Osa2. In VSMC of aortas derived from hypertensive (LH) rats, 6A3-5/Osa2 is overexpressed as compared to that in normotensive (LL) rats. The 6A3-5/Osa2-gene expression is downregulated by an ACE inhibitor and upregulated by exogenous AngiotensinII in LH rats. In summary, these results indicate that 6A3-5/Osa2 is an early activated gene that belongs to a new family of proteins involved in the control of VSMC growth.

The Role of Ubiquitin E3 Ligase in Atherosclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-168
Author(s):  
Zhi-Xiang Zhou ◽  
Zhong Ren ◽  
Bin-Jie Yan ◽  
Shun-Lin Qu ◽  
Zhi-Han Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Protein Modification ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
E3 Ligases

: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Many pathophysiological factors, including abnormal cholesterol metabolism, vascular inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of atherosclerosis are not fully understood. Ubiquitination is a multistep post-translational protein modification that participates in many important cellular processes. Emerging evidence suggests that ubiquitination plays important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in many ways, including regulation of vascular inflammation, endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell function, lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic plaque stability. This review summarizes important contributions of various E3 ligases to the development of atherosclerosis. Targeting ubiquitin E3 ligases may provide a novel strategy for the prevention of the progression of atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals Immune Actions on the Peripheral Nervous System in Pain

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1448
Author(s):  
Jessica Aijia Liu ◽  
Jing Yu ◽  
Chi Wai Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Process Integration ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Lipid Mediators ◽  
Cellular Changes

Pain can be induced by tissue injuries, diseases and infections. The interactions between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune system are primary actions in pain sensitizations. In response to stimuli, nociceptors release various mediators from their terminals that potently activate and recruit immune cells, whereas infiltrated immune cells further promote sensitization of nociceptors and the transition from acute to chronic pain by producing cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators and growth factors. Immune cells not only play roles in pain production but also contribute to PNS repair and pain resolution by secreting anti-inflammatory or analgesic effectors. Here, we discuss the distinct roles of four major types of immune cells (monocyte/macrophage, neutrophil, mast cell, and T cell) acting on the PNS during pain process. Integration of this current knowledge will enhance our understanding of cellular changes and molecular mechanisms underlying pain pathogenies, providing insights for developing new therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals 4369 Reprogramming of vascular smooth muscle cells to multipotent progenitor cells contributes to progression of atherosclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Allison Milfred Dubner ◽  
Sizhao Lu ◽  
Austin Jolly ◽  
Keith Strand ◽  
Marie Mutryn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Coronary Arteries ◽  
Lineage Tracing ◽  
Plaque Progression ◽  
Blood Institute ◽  
National Heart ◽  
National Heart Lung

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our lab previously identified a population of vascular smooth muscle (SMC)-derived progenitor cells (AdvSca1-SM) which expand robustly in response to disease and can differentiate into multiple cell types. We now aim to define the role of these AdvSca1-SM cells in atherosclerotic plaque progression. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Goal one uses SMC lineage tracing mice and a model of atherosclerosis to track reprogramming of SMCs to AdvSca1-SM cells in the setting of disease. Arteries are analyzed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to quantify changes in number of mature SMCs and AdvSca1-SM cells. Goal two uses AdvSca1-SM lineage tracing mice with high cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis and plaque neovascularization. Arteries are analyzed to quantify expansion of AdvSca1-SM cells, subsequent re-differentiation into mature SMC, endothelial cells, or macrophages, and contribution to plaque neovascularization. Mechanistic findings from both goals are being investigated in diseased human coronary arteries. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Flow cytometry from SMC lineage tracing mice revealed a 7- to 13-fold expansion of AdvSca1-SM cells in carotid arteries (p<0.001) and aortas (p = 0.03) after 6 weeks of western diet; no differences in macrophage numbers were observed. Additional SMC and AdvSca1-SM cell lineage tracing mice are on atherogenic diets to assess early and advanced atherosclerosis. We predict that AdvSca1-SM cells will contribute to macrophage accumulation as well as plaque neovascularization in the setting of severe atherosclerosis. Translational relevance of mechanisms driving SMC reprogramming and AdvSca1-SM cell contribution to plaque progression are being applied to studies of diseased human coronary arteries. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Our data suggest a role for AdvSca1-SM cells in atherosclerosis. Ongoing work will clarify the mechanisms driving plaque-associated AdvSca1-SM expansion and define the ultimate fates of these cells. In vivo modulation of this process could provide the basis for future anti-atherosclerotic therapies. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: AD - CCTSI TOTTS TL1TR002533; SL - 18POST34030397 from the American Heart Association; AJ – no conflicts; KS - 1F31HL147393 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH; MM – no conflicts; RT – no conflicts; KSM – no conflicts; RAN - R01CA236222 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, and 2018-03 from the Lungevity Foundation; and MCMW-E - R01 HL121877 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, and 25A8679 from the Chernowitz Foundation.

Exploring the molecular mechanisms of OSU-03012 on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

2010 ◽  
Vol 344 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Wen Kuo ◽  
Jing-Ru Weng ◽  
Chih-Yang Huang ◽  
Chang-Hai Tsai ◽  
Wei-Hung Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation

Abstract 126: Differential Effects of Respectively Blocking Two BET Bromodomains on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Transformation

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengxue Zhang ◽  
Bowen Wang ◽  
Craig Kent ◽  
Lian-Wang Guo
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Stat3 Phosphorylation ◽  
Phenotype Transformation

Introduction: Intimal hyperplasia (IH) occurs primarily due to vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) transformation from quiescent to pathogenic phenotypes (e.g. proliferation and inflammation). Identification and effective targeting of key epigenetic factors governing SMC pathogenic transformation may lead to novel therapeutic methods for prevention of IH. We previously found that globally blocking the bromo- and extra-terminal (BET) epigenetic “reader” family abrogated SMC phenotype transformation and IH. We further investigated the functions of the two BET bromodomains (Bromo1 and Bromo2). Hypothesis: Bromo1 and Bromo2 play different roles in SMC pathogenic transformation. Methods and Results: We pre-treated rat primary aortic SMCs (for 2h) with Olinone or RVX208, inhibitors specific for Bromo1 and Bromo2 respectively, and then stimulated SMC phenotype transformation. Whereas RVX208 abrogated PDGF-BB-stimulated SMC proliferation (BrdU assay) in a dose dependent manner, Olinone enhanced SMC proliferation at high concentrations (>20 μM). RVX208 at 50 μM reduced TNFα-induced SMC inflammation (MCP-1 ELISA) by 80%,but Olinone at the same concentration slightly increased MCP-1. Furthermore, whereas RVX208 abolished PDGF-BB or TNFα-induced STAT3 phosphorylation (Western blotting), Olinone slightly increased phospho-STAT3. Conclusions: Our results reveal that blocking two BET bromodomains respectively produces distinct effects on SMC phenotype transformation, suggesting their differential epigenetic functions. Further elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms should contribute to precise targeting of the BET family for optimal mitigation of IH.

scholarly journals Angiotensin II, Hypercholesterolemia, and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: A Perfect Trio for Vascular Pathology

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 4525
Author(s):  
Amanda St. Paul ◽  
Cali B. Corbett ◽  
Rachael Okune ◽  
Michael V. Autieri
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Reduce Blood Pressure ◽  
Vascular Pathology ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Ang Ii

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western and developing world, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing with the longer lifespan afforded by our modern lifestyle. Vascular diseases including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke comprise the majority of cardiovascular diseases, and therefore represent a significant medical and socioeconomic burden on our society. It may not be surprising that these conditions overlap and potentiate each other when we consider the many cellular and molecular similarities between them. These intersecting points are manifested in clinical studies in which lipid lowering therapies reduce blood pressure, and anti-hypertensive medications reduce atherosclerotic plaque. At the molecular level, the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) is the target, integrator, and effector cell of both atherogenic and the major effector protein of the hypertensive signal Angiotensin II (Ang II). Together, these signals can potentiate each other and prime the artery and exacerbate hypertension and atherosclerosis. Therefore, VSMCs are the fulcrum in progression of these diseases and, therefore, understanding the effects of atherogenic stimuli and Ang II on the VSMC is key to understanding and treating atherosclerosis and hypertension. In this review, we will examine studies in which hypertension and atherosclerosis intersect on the VSMC, and illustrate common pathways between these two diseases and vascular aging.

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