scholarly journals CHIP Represses Myocardin-Induced Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation via Ubiquitin-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 2398-2408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Xie ◽  
Yongna Fan ◽  
Hua Zhang ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Mingpeng She ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Physiological Control ◽  
Interacting Protein

ABSTRACT Myocardin, a coactivator of serum response factor (SRF), plays a critical role in the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the molecular mechanisms regulating myocardin stability and activity are not well defined. Here we show that the E3 ligase C terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) represses myocardin-dependent SMC gene expression and transcriptional activity. CHIP interacts with and promotes myocardin ubiquitin-mediated degradation by the proteasome in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, myocardin ubiquitination by CHIP requires its phosphorylation. Importantly, CHIP overexpression reduces the level of myocardin-dependent SMC contractile gene expression and diminishes arterial contractility ex vivo. These findings for the first time, to our knowledge, demonstrate that CHIP-promoted proteolysis of myocardin plays a key role in the physiological control of SMC phenotype and vessel tone, which may have an important implication for pathophysiological conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

scholarly journals Runx2 Represses Myocardin-Mediated Differentiation and Facilitates Osteogenic Conversion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 1147-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Tanaka ◽  
Hiroko Sato ◽  
Hiroshi Doi ◽  
Carolina A. Yoshida ◽  
Takehisa Shimizu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Tightly Coupled

ABSTRACT Phenotypic plasticity and the switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a critical role in atherosclerosis. Although Runx2, a key osteogenic transcription factor, is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques, the molecular mechanisms by which Runx2 regulates SMC differentiation remain unclear. Here we demonstrated that Runx2 repressed SMC differentiation induced by myocardin, which acts as a coactivator for serum response factor (SRF). Myocardin-mediated induction of SMC gene expression was enhanced in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from Runx2 null mice compared to wild-type mice. Forced expression of Runx2 decreased the expression of SMC genes and promoted osteogenic gene expression, whereas the reduction of Runx2 expression by small interfering RNA enhanced SMC differentiation in human aortic SMCs. Runx2 interacted with SRF and interfered with the formation of the SRF/myocardin ternary complex. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that Runx2 inhibits SRF-dependent transcription, as a corepressor independent of its DNA binding. We propose that Runx2 plays a pivotal role in osteogenic conversion tightly coupled with repression of the SMC phenotype in atherosclerotic lesions.

scholarly journals YY1 directly interacts with myocardin to repress the triad myocardin/SRF/CArG box-mediated smooth muscle gene transcription during smooth muscle phenotypic modulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Pu Zheng ◽  
Xiangqin He ◽  
Fang Liu ◽  
Shuping Yin ◽  
Shichao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Phenotypic Modulation ◽  
Differentiation Markers ◽  
Carg Box

AbstractYin Yang 1 (YY1) regulates gene transcription in a variety of biological processes. In this study, we aim to determine the role of YY1 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation both in vivo and in vitro. Here we show that vascular injury in rodent carotid arteries induces YY1 expression along with reduced expression of smooth muscle differentiation markers in the carotids. Consistent with this finding, YY1 expression is induced in differentiated VSMCs in response to serum stimulation. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we found that YY1 suppresses the transcription of CArG box-dependent SMC-specific genes including SM22α, SMα-actin and SMMHC. Interestingly, YY1 suppresses the transcriptional activity of the SM22α promoter by hindering the binding of serum response factor (SRF) to the proximal CArG box. YY1 also suppresses the transcription and the transactivation of myocardin (MYOCD), a master regulator for SMC-specific gene transcription by binding to SRF to form the MYOCD/SRF/CArG box triad (known as the ternary complex). Mechanistically, YY1 directly interacts with MYOCD to competitively displace MYOCD from SRF. This is the first evidence showing that YY1 inhibits SMC differentiation by directly targeting MYOCD. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the regulatory mechanisms that govern SMC phenotypic modulation in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.

scholarly journals Inhibitor of apoptosis, IAP, genes play a critical role in the survival of HIV-infected macrophages

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Kumar ◽  
Ramon Edwin Hernandez Caballero ◽  
Simon Xin Min Dong ◽  
Niranjala Gajanayaka ◽  
Hamza Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Laboratory Strain ◽  
Inhibitor Of Apoptosis ◽  
Viral Reservoirs ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Heat Stable Antigen ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Latent viral reservoirs of HIV-1 that persist despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) are major barriers for a successful cure. Macrophages serve as viral reservoirs due to their resistance to apoptosis and HIV-cytopathic effects. We have previously shown that inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) confer resistance to HIV-Vpr-induced apoptosis in normal macrophages. Herein, we show that second mitochondrial activator of caspases (SMAC)-mimetics (SM) specifically induce apoptosis of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected in vitro with a R5-tropic laboratory strain expressing heat stable antigen, and GFP-expressing HIV, chronically infected U1 cells, and ex-vivo derived MDMs from naïve and ART-treated HIV patients. SM-induced cell death was found to be mediated by IAPs using IAP siRNAs, was independent of endogenously produced TNFα and was attributed to the concomitant downregulation of IAP-1/2 and the receptor interacting protein kinase-1 degradation following HIV infection. Altogether, modulation of the IAP pathways may be a potential strategy for selective killing of HIV-infected macrophages in vivo.

Atherosclerosis-prone hemodynamics differentially regulates endothelial and smooth muscle cell phenotypes and promotes pro-inflammatory priming

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (6) ◽  
pp. C1824-C1833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole E. Hastings ◽  
Michael B. Simmers ◽  
Oliver G. McDonald ◽  
Brian R. Wamhoff ◽  
Brett R. Blackman
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Serum Response Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Differentiation Markers ◽  
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽  
Coculture Model ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that preferentially forms at hemodynamically compromised regions of altered shear stress patterns. Endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) undergo phenotypic modulation during atherosclerosis. An in vitro coculture model was developed to determine the role of hemodynamic regulation of EC and SMC phenotypes in coculture. Human ECs and SMCs were plated on a synthetic elastic lamina and human-derived atheroprone, and atheroprotective shear stresses were imposed on ECs. Atheroprone flow decreased genes associated with differentiated ECs (endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Tie2, and Kruppel-like factor 2) and SMCs (smooth muscle α-actin and myocardin) and induced a proinflammatory phenotype in ECs and SMCs (VCAM-1, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). Atheroprone flow-induced changes in SMC differentiation markers were regulated at the chromatin level, as indicated by decreased serum response factor (SRF) binding to the smooth muscle α-actin-CC(a/T)6GG (CArG) promoter region and decreased histone H4 acetylation. Conversely, SRF and histone H4 acetylation were enriched at the c- fos promoter in SMCs. In the presence of atheroprotective shear stresses, ECs aligned with the direction of flow and SMCs aligned more perpendicular to flow, similar to in vivo vessel organization. These results provide a novel mechanism whereby modulation of the EC phenotype by hemodynamic shear stresses, atheroprone or atheroprotective, play a critical role in mechanical-transcriptional coupling and regulation of the SMC phenotype.

scholarly journals Cell–cell coupling and DNA methylation abnormal phenotypes in the after-hours mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Tinarelli ◽  
Elena Ivanova ◽  
Ilaria Colombi ◽  
Erica Barini ◽  
Edoardo Balzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Neuronal Networks ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neuronal Cultures ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
After Hours ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background DNA methylation has emerged as an important epigenetic regulator of brain processes, including circadian rhythms. However, how DNA methylation intervenes between environmental signals, such as light entrainment, and the transcriptional and translational molecular mechanisms of the cellular clock is currently unknown. Here, we studied the after-hours mice, which have a point mutation in the Fbxl3 gene and a lengthened circadian period. Methods In this study, we used a combination of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches. We measured retinal responses in Afh animals and we have run reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), pyrosequencing and gene expression analysis in a variety of brain tissues ex vivo. In vitro, we used primary neuronal cultures combined to micro electrode array (MEA) technology and gene expression. Results We observed functional impairments in mutant neuronal networks, and a reduction in the retinal responses to light-dependent stimuli. We detected abnormalities in the expression of photoreceptive melanopsin (OPN4). Furthermore, we identified alterations in the DNA methylation pathways throughout the retinohypothalamic tract terminals and links between the transcription factor Rev-Erbα and Fbxl3. Conclusions The results of this study, primarily represent a contribution towards an understanding of electrophysiological and molecular phenotypic responses to external stimuli in the Afh model. Moreover, as DNA methylation has recently emerged as a new regulator of neuronal networks with important consequences for circadian behaviour, we discuss the impact of the Afh mutation on the epigenetic landscape of circadian biology.

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) during porcine embryo development

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Ann Blomberg ◽  
Kurt A. Zuelke
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Transgenic Animals ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Research Strategies

Functional genomics provides a powerful means for delving into the molecular mechanisms involved in pre-implantation development of porcine embryos. High rates of embryonic mortality (30%), following either natural mating or artificial insemination, emphasise the need to improve the efficiency of reproduction in the pig. The poor success rate of live offspring from in vitro-manipulated pig embryos also hampers efforts to generate transgenic animals for biotechnology applications. Previous analysis of differential gene expression has demonstrated stage-specific gene expression for in vivo-derived embryos and altered gene expression for in vitro-derived embryos. However, the methods used to date examine relatively few genes simultaneously and, thus, provide an incomplete glimpse of the physiological role of these genes during embryogenesis. The present review will focus on two aspects of applying functional genomics research strategies for analysing the expression of genes during elongation of pig embryos between gestational day (D) 11 and D12. First, we compare and contrast current methodologies that are being used for gene discovery and expression analysis during pig embryo development. Second, we establish a paradigm for applying serial analysis of gene expression as a functional genomics tool to obtain preliminary information essential for discovering the physiological mechanisms by which distinct embryonic phenotypes are derived.

Heparan sulfate side chains have a critical role in the inhibitory effects of perlecan on vascular smooth muscle cell response to arterial injury

2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (3) ◽  
pp. H337-H345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Gotha ◽  
Sang Yup Lim ◽  
Azriel B. Osherov ◽  
Rafael Wolff ◽  
Beiping Qiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Arterial Injury ◽  
Side Chains ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Injury Response ◽  
Migratory Response

Perlecan is a proteoglycan composed of a 470-kDa core protein linked to three heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycan chains. The intact proteoglycan inhibits the smooth muscle cell (SMC) response to vascular injury. Hspg2Δ3/Δ3 (MΔ3/Δ3) mice produce a mutant perlecan lacking the HS side chains. The objective of this study was to determine differences between these two types of perlecan in modifying SMC activities to the arterial injury response, in order to define the specific role of the HS side chains. In vitro proliferative and migratory activities were compared in SMC isolated from MΔ3/Δ3 and wild-type mice. Proliferation of MΔ3/Δ3 SMC was 1.5× greater than in wild type ( P < 0.001), increased by addition of growth factors, and showed a 42% greater migratory response than wild-type cells to PDGF-BB ( P < 0.001). In MΔ3/Δ3 SMC adhesion to fibronectin, and collagen types I and IV was significantly greater than wild type. Addition of DRL-12582, an inducer of perlecan expression, decreased proliferation and migratory response to PDGF-BB stimulation in wild-type SMC compared with MΔ3/Δ3. In an in vivo carotid artery wire injury model, the medial thickness, medial area/lumen ratio, and macrophage infiltration were significantly increased in the MΔ3/Δ3 mice, indicating a prominent role of the HS side chain in limiting vascular injury response. Mutant perlecan that lacks HS side chains had a marked reduction in the inhibition of in vitro SMC function and the in vivo arterial response to injury, indicating the critical role of HS side chains in perlecan function in the vessel wall.

scholarly journals Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Vitale ◽  
Enrico D'Aniello ◽  
Stefania Gorbi ◽  
Andrea Martella ◽  
Cristoforo Silvestri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Invasive Pests

Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)—a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin—is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.

scholarly journals c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Activation of Activator Protein-1 Underlies Homologous Regulation of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Gene in αT3-1 Cells

Endocrinology ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 144 (3) ◽  
pp. 839-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buffy S. Ellsworth ◽  
Brett R. White ◽  
Ann T. Burns ◽  
Brian D. Cherrington ◽  
Annette M. Otis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Activator Protein 1 ◽  
Activator Protein

Reproductive function is dependent on the interaction between GnRH and its cognate receptor found on gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary gland. GnRH activation of the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is a potent stimulus for increased expression of multiple genes including the gene encoding the GnRHR itself. Thus, homologous regulation of the GnRHR is an important mechanism underlying gonadotrope sensitivity to GnRH. Previously, we have found that GnRH induction of GnRHR gene expression in αT3-1 cells is partially mediated by protein kinase C activation of a canonical activator protein-1 (AP-1) element. In contrast, protein kinase A and a cAMP response element-like element have been implicated in mediating the GnRH response of the GnRHR gene using a heterologous cell model (GGH3). Herein we find that selective removal of the canonical AP-1 site leads to a loss of GnRH regulation of the GnRHR promoter in transgenic mice. Thus, an intact AP-1 element is necessary for GnRH responsiveness of the GnRHR gene both in vitro and in vivo. Based on in vitro analyses, GnRH appeared to enhance the interaction of JunD, FosB, and c-Fos at the GnRHR AP-1 element. Although enhanced binding of cFos reflected an increase in gene expression, GnRH appeared to regulate both FosB and JunD at a posttranslational level. Neither overexpression of a constitutively active Raf-kinase nor pharmacological blockade of GnRH-induced ERK activation eliminated the GnRH response of the GnRHR promoter. GnRH responsiveness was, however, lost in αT3-1 cells that stably express a dominant-negative c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) kinase, suggesting a critical role for JNK in mediating GnRH regulation of the GnRHR gene. Consistent with this possibility, we find that the ability of forskolin and membrane-permeable forms of cAMP to inhibit the GnRH response of the GnRHR promoter is associated with a loss of both JNK activation and GnRH-mediated recruitment of the primary AP-1-binding components.

scholarly journals Microbial enzymes induce colitis by reactivating triclosan in the mouse gastrointestinal tract

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianan Zhang ◽  
Morgan E. Walker ◽  
Katherine Z. Sanidad ◽  
Hongna Zhang ◽  
Yanshan Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Metabolic Activation ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Intestinal Microbes ◽  
Targeted Inhibition

AbstractEmerging research supports that triclosan (TCS), an antimicrobial agent found in thousands of consumer products, exacerbates colitis and colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis in animal models. While the intestinal toxicities of TCS require the presence of gut microbiota, the molecular mechanisms involved have not been defined. Here we show that intestinal commensal microbes mediate metabolic activation of TCS in the colon and drive its gut toxicology. Using a range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches, we identify specific microbial β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes involved and pinpoint molecular motifs required to metabolically activate TCS in the gut. Finally, we show that targeted inhibition of bacterial GUS enzymes abolishes the colitis-promoting effects of TCS, supporting an essential role of specific microbial proteins in TCS toxicity. Together, our results define a mechanism by which intestinal microbes contribute to the metabolic activation and gut toxicity of TCS, and highlight the importance of considering the contributions of the gut microbiota in evaluating the toxic potential of environmental chemicals.

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