Abstract 17221: Stable Flow-Induced Expression of KLK10 Inhibits Endothelial Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darian Williams ◽  
Marwa Mahmoud ◽  
Hanjoong Jo
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Protease Activated Receptors ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Carotid Ligation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Stable Flow

Introduction: Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow ( d-flow ) while the straight regions exposed to stable flow ( s-flow ) are protected. The proatherogenic and atheroprotective effects of flow are mediated in large part by the global changes in endothelial cell gene expression, which regulate endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Previously, we identified Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 10 (KLK10) as one of the most flow-sensitive genes in arterial endothelial cells using the partial carotid ligation model of d-flow -induced atherosclerosis. KLK10 is a secreted serine protease, but its role in endothelial function and atherosclerosis is unknown. Methods/Results: Here, we validated that KLK10 was upregulated under s-flow conditions and downregulated under d-flow conditions using the in vivo mouse models and in vitro studies using endothelial cells (ECs). Through in vitro functional studies using ECs, we found that KLK10 produced by s-flow protected against endothelial inflammation and permeability dysfunction. Furthermore, treatment with rKLK10 or overexpression of KLK10 plasmids in vivo decreased endothelial inflammation the mouse model. Further, rKLK10 injection or ultrasound-mediated transfection of KLK10 plasmids in the hind leg muscles led to inhibition of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice with the partial carotid ligation surgery. Studies using the pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of KLK10 was mediated by the Protease Activated Receptors 1 and 2, but without directly cleaving them. Further studies show that KLK10’s anti-inflammatory effect was mediated by the NFκB and VCAM1 and ICAM1 expression pathway. In addition, immunostaining showed that KLK10 expression is significantly reduced in human coronary arterial sections with atherosclerotic plaques compared to the non-diseased controls. Conclusions: We found that KLK10 is a potent flow-sensitive secreted protein, which serve as a novel anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic factor. KLK10 may be a potential anti-atherogenic therapeutic.

scholarly journals Stable flow-induced expression of KLK10 inhibits endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis

eLife ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darian Williams ◽  
Marwa Mahmoud ◽  
Renfa Liu ◽  
Aitor Andueza ◽  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Human Artery ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Intracellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Cell Gene Expression ◽  
Stable Flow

Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow), while regions exposed to stable flow (s-flow) are protected. The proatherogenic and atheroprotective effects of d-flow and s-flow are mediated in part by the global changes in endothelial cell gene expression, which regulates endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Previously, we identified Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 10 (Klk10, a secreted serine protease) as a flow-sensitive gene in mouse arterial endothelial cells, but its role in endothelial biology and atherosclerosis was unknown. Here, we show that KLK10 is upregulated under s-flow conditions and downregulated under d-flow conditions using in vivo& mouse models and in vitro studies with cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and scATAC sequencing (scATACseq) study using the partial carotid ligation mouse model showed flow-regulated Klk10 expression at the epigenomic and transcription levels. Functionally, KLK10 protected against d-flow-induced permeability dysfunction and inflammation in human artery ECs (HAECs), as determined by NFkB activation, expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and monocyte adhesion. Further, treatment of mice in vivo with rKLK10 decreased arterial endothelial inflammation in d-flow regions. Additionally, rKLK10 injection or ultrasound-mediated transfection of Klk10-expressing plasmids inhibited atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice. Moreover, KLK10 expression was significantly reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques compared to those with less severe plaques. KLK10 is a flow-sensitive endothelial protein that serves as an anti-inflammatory, barrier-protective, and anti-atherogenic factor.

scholarly journals Stable Flow-induced Expression of KLK10 Inhibits Endothelial Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darian Williams ◽  
Marwa Mahmoud ◽  
Renfa Liu ◽  
Aitor Andueza ◽  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Human Artery ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Stable Flow

Introduction: Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (dflow), while regions exposed to stable flow (s-flow) are protected. The proatherogenic and atheroprotective effects of d-flow and s-flow are mediated in part by the global changes in endothelial cell gene expression, which regulates endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Previously, we identified Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 10 (KLK10, a secreted serine protease) as a flow-sensitive gene in arterial endothelial cells, but its role in endothelial biology and atherosclerosis was unknown. Methods and Results: Here, we show that KLK10 is upregulated under s-flow conditions and downregulated under d-flow conditions using in vivo mouse models and in vitro studies with cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and scATAC sequencing (scATACseq) study using the partial carotid ligation mouse model showed flow-regulated KLK10 expression at the epigenomic and transcription levels. Functionally, KLK10 protected against d-flow-induced inflammation and permeability dysfunction in human artery ECs (HAECs). Further, treatment of mice in vivo with rKLK10 decreased arterial endothelial inflammation in d-flow regions. Additionally, rKLK10 injection or ultrasound-mediated transfection of KLK10- expressing plasmids inhibited atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of KLK10 were mediated by a Protease Activated Receptors (PAR1/2)-dependent manner. However, unexpectedly, KLK10 did not cleave the PARs. Through a proteomics study, we identified HTRA1 (High-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1), which bound and cleaved KLK10. Further, siRNA knockdown of HTRA1 prevented KLK10's anti-inflammatory and barrier protective function in HAECs, suggesting that HTRA1 regulates KLK10 function. Moreover, KLK10 expression was significantly reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques compared to those with less severe plaques. Conclusion: KLK10 is a flow-sensitive endothelial protein and, in collaboration with HTRA1, serves as an anti-inflammatory, barrier-protective, and anti-atherogenic factor.

Abstract 116: Slit-Robo Signaling Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Endothelial Inflammation and Expression of Slit/Robo is Dysregulated During Endotoxemia

2013 ◽  
Vol 113 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helong Zhao ◽  
Appakkudal Anand ◽  
Ramesh Ganju
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Whole Heart

Abstract Introduction: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is one of the critical factors which induce endothelial inflammation during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, endocarditis and sepsis shock induced heart injury. The secretory Slit2 protein and its endothelial receptors Robo1 and Robo4 have been shown to regulate mobility and permeability of endothelial cells, which could be functional in regulating LPS induced endothelial inflammation. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that in addition to regulating permeability and migration of endothelial cells, Slit2-Robo1/4 signaling might regulate other LPS-induced endothelial inflammatory responses. Methods and Results: Using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) culture, we observed that Slit2 treatment suppressed LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including GM-CSF), cell adhesion molecule upregulation and monocyte (THP-1 cell) adhesion. With siRNA knock down techniques, we further confirmed that this anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the interaction of Slit2 with its dominant receptor in endothelial cells, Robo4, though the much lesser expressed minor receptor Robo1 is pro-inflammatory. Our signaling studies showed that downstream of Robo4, Slit2 suppressed inflammatory gene expression by inhibiting the Pyk2 - NF-kB pathway following LPS-TLR4 interaction. In addition, Slit2 can induce a positive feedback to its expression and downregulate the pro-inflammatory Robo1 receptor via mediation of miR-218. Moreover, both in in vitro studies using HUVEC and in vivo mouse model studies indicated that LPS also causes endothelial inflammation by downregulating the anti-inflammatory Slit2 and Robo4 and upregulating the pro-inflammatory Robo1 during endotoxemia, especially in mouse arterial endothelial cells and whole heart. Conclusions: Slit2-Robo1/4 signaling is important in regulation of LPS induced endothelial inflammation, and LPS in turn causes inflammation by interfering with the expression of Slit2, Robo1 and Robo4. This implies that Slit2-Robo1/4 is a key regulator of endothelial inflammation and its dysregulation during endotoxemia is a novel mechanism for LPS induced cardiovascular pathogenesis.

Chrysin Suppresses Vascular Endothelial Inflammation via Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengnan Zhao ◽  
Minglu Liang ◽  
Yilong Wang ◽  
Ji Hu ◽  
Yi Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Flavonoid Compound ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Wide Range

The vascular endothelium is a continuous layer of flat polygonal cells that are in direct contact with the blood and participate in responses to inflammation. Chrysin is a flavonoid compound extracted from plants of the genus Asteraceae with a wide range of pharmacological activities and physiological activities. Here, we studied the effects of chrysin on the regulation of the proadhesion and pro-inflammatory phenotypes of the endothelium both in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that chrysin strongly inhibited Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cell adhesion to primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells and concentration-dependently attenuated interleukin 1β-induced increases in intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin messenger RNA levels and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels. Previous studies reported that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is important in the inflammatory response in endothelial cells, particularly in regulating adhesion molecules, and our data shed light on the mechanisms whereby chrysin suppressed endothelial inflammation via the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, our in vivo findings demonstrated the effects of chrysin in the permeability and inflammatory responses of the endothelium to inflammatory injury. Taken together, we conclude that chrysin inhibits endothelial inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, which could be mainly due to its inhibition of NF-κB signaling activation. In conclusion, chrysin may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory vascular diseases.

Abstract 181: BET Bromodomain Inhibition Suppresses Endothelial Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Brown ◽  
Qiong Duan ◽  
Gabriel Griffin ◽  
Ronald Paranal ◽  
Steven Bair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Introduction The BET bromodomain-containing family of proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4) are epigenetic readers that coactivate transcription. Recent evidence indicates that BETs promote carcinogenesis and inflammation in sepsis, while BET bromodomain inhibitors are promising anti-cancer therapies. However, the role of chromatin remodeling in atherosclerosis in general and through BETs in particular remains unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesized that BET bromodomain-containing proteins coactivate proinflammatory responses in the vasculature with functional effects that promote atherogenesis. Methods and Results BET bromodomain inhibition, achieved with the highly selective, small-molecule inhibitor JQ1 significantly reduced early atherosclerosis (12 weeks) in cholesterol-fed, LDL receptor-null mice. In pursuing mechanisms for this effect, we identified BET protein expression in mouse and human endothelial cells (ECs) as well as endothelium from human atherosclerotic plaque. Treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with either JQ1 or siRNA to BRD2 or BRD4 potently suppresses TNFα-induced expression of adhesion molecules (SELE, VCAM1) and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL8). In chromatin immunoprecipation studies, TNFα stimulation of ECs recruited BETs to adhesion molecule and chemokine promoters coincident with RNA polymerase II and cyclin T1 localization, without altering NF-κB recruitment. In functional studies, JQ1 suppressed 1) monocyte adhesion to TNFα-activated HUVECs, 2) leukocyte rolling on cremaster post-capillary venules (intravital microscopy); 3) leukocyte transmigration (parallel-plate flow chamber); and 4) monocyte recruitment in thioglycolate-induced peritonitis in vivo . Conclusions BET bromodomain-containing proteins are novel determinants of pro-inflammatory transcription in the endothelium. Targeting chromatin by BET bromodomain inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy to limit atherosclerosis and other disorders involving endothelial inflammation.

Disruption of endothelial Pfkfb3 ameliorates diet-induced murine insulin resistance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuhua Yang ◽  
Jiean Xu ◽  
Qian Ma ◽  
Zhiping Liu ◽  
Yaqi Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Glucose Clearance ◽  
Deficient Mice

Overnutrition-induced endothelial inflammation plays a crucial role in high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in animals. Endothelial glycolysis plays a critical role in endothelial inflammation and proliferation, but its role in diet-induced endothelial inflammation and subsequent insulin resistance has not been elucidated. PFKFB3 is a critical glycolytic regulator, and its increased expression has been observed in adipose vascular endothelium of C57BL/6J mice fed with HFD in vivo, and in palmitate (PA)-treated primary human adipose microvascular endothelial cells (HAMECs) in vitro. We generated mice with Pfkfb3 deficiency selective for endothelial cells to examine the effect of endothelial Pfkfb3 in endothelial inflammation in metabolic organs and in the development of HFD-induced insulin resistance. EC Pfkfb3-deficient mice exhibited mitigated HFD-induced insulin resistance, including decreased body weight and fat mass, improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity, and alleviated adiposity and hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, cultured PFKFB3 knockdown HAMECs showed decreased NF-κB activation induced by PA, and consequent suppressed adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adhesion. Taken together, these results demonstrate that increased endothelial PFKFB3 expression promotes diet-induced inflammatory responses and subsequent insulin resistance, suggesting that endothelial metabolic alteration plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance.

Abstract 140: Anti-inflammatory and Anti-atherogenic Role of Bmp Receptor II In Endothelial Cells

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chanwoo Kim ◽  
Hannah Song ◽  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
Douglas Nam ◽  
Hyuk Sang Kwon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Disturbed Flow ◽  
Bmp Receptors ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease that arises from a combination of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, occurring preferentially in arterial regions exposed to disturbed flow. Bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) produced by disturbed flow induces inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, suggesting the importance of BMPs in vascular biology and disease. BMPs bind to two different types of BMP receptors (BMPRI and II) to instigate intracellular signaling. Increasing evidences suggest a correlative role of BMP4 and atherosclerosis, but the role of BMP receptors especially BMPRII in atherosclerosis is still unclear and whether knockdown of BMPRII is the cause or the consequence of atherosclerosis is still not known. It is therefore, imperative to investigate the mechanisms by which BMPRII expression is modulated and its ramifications in atherosclerosis. Initially, we expected that knockdown of BMPRII will result in loss of pro-atherogenic BMP4 signaling and will thereby prevent atherosclerosis. Contrarily, we found that loss of BMPRII expression causes endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis. Using BMPRII siRNA and BMPRII +/- mice, we found that BMPRII knockdown induces endothelial inflammation in a BMP-independent manner via mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), NFκB, and NADPH oxidases. Further, BMPRII +/- ApoE -/- mice develop accelerated atherosclerosis compared to BMPRII +/+ ApoE -/- mice, suggesting loss of BMPRII may induce atherosclerosis. Interestingly, we found that multiple pro-atherogenic stimuli such as hypercholesterolemia, disturbed flow, pro-hypertensive angiotensin II, and pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFα, downregulate BMPRII expression in endothelium, while anti-atherogenic stimuli such as stable flow and statin treatment upregulate its expression, both in vivo and in vitro . Moreover, we found that BMPRII expression is significantly diminished in human coronary advanced atherosclerotic lesions. These results suggest that BMPRII is a critical, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic protein that is commonly targeted by multiple pro- and anti-atherogenic factors. BMPRII could be used as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals Astragaloside IV Suppresses High Glucose-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB and CaSR

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Leng ◽  
Yingjie Zhang ◽  
Xinran Liu ◽  
Zhen Zhang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Astragaloside Iv ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Endothelial Inflammation ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Long-term exposure to high glucose induces vascular endothelial inflammation that can result in cardiovascular disease. Astragaloside IV (As-IV) is widely used for anti-inflammatory treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of As-IV on high glucose-induced endothelial inflammation and explored its possible mechanisms. In vivo, As-IV (40 and 80 mg/kg/d) was orally administered to rats for 8 weeks after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg). In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with high glucose (33 mM glucose) in the presence or absence of As-IV, NPS2143 (CaSR inhibitor), BAY 11-7082 (NF-κB p65 inhibitor), and INF39 (NLRP3 inhibitor), and overexpression of CaSR was induced by infection of CaSR-overexpressing lentiviral vectors to further discuss the anti-inflammatory property of As-IV. The results showed that high glucose increased the expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), NLRP3, caspase-1, and ASC, as well as the protein level of TLR4, nucleus p65, and CaSR. As-IV can reverse these changes in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, NPS2143, BAY 11-7082, and INF39 could significantly abolish the high glucose-enhanced NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β expression in vitro. In addition, both NPS2143 and BAY 11-7082 attenuated high glucose-induced upregulation of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β expression. In conclusion, this study suggested that As-IV could inhibit high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent secretion of proinflammatory cytokines via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and CaSR, which provides new insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of As-IV.

In Vitro and in Vivo Characterization of Human Embryonic Stem Cell- Derived CD34+ Cells That Function as Pericytes with Endothelial Cell and Smooth Muscle Cell Potential

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 693-693
Author(s):  
Katherine L. Hill ◽  
Petra Obrtlikova ◽  
Diego F Alvarez ◽  
Judy A King ◽  
Qinglu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Vascular Repair ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Cd34 Cells

Abstract The field of vascular regenerative medicine is rapidly growing and the demand for cell-based therapy is high. In our studies, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were differentiated via coculture with M2-10B4 mouse bone marrow derived stromal cells for 13–15 days. At this time, CD34+ were isolated using an immunomagnetic separation technique and further phenotyped. As shown by flow cytometric analysis, the population co-expressed typical endothelial cell surface antigens such as CD31 and Flk. Upon culture of these CD34+ cells in endothelial culture medium containing VEGF, bFGF, IGF-1, EGF, and heparin, the cells assumed a endothelial cell morphology, formed vascular like networks when placed in Matrigel, and expressed CD31, Flk1, CD146, Tie2, eNOS, vWF, and VE-cadherin (each confirmed by quantitative real time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry). Transmission electron micrograph images of these cells, termed hESC-ECs, showed a defined cortical filamentous rim as seen in other endothelial cells and a significant number of micro-particles being released from the cell surface. Additionally, permeability studies revealed these cells exhibit trans-electrical resistance of 1200Ω, consistent with basal barrier properties exhibited by conduit endothelial cells. These hESC-ECs also proved capable of further differentiation into smooth muscle cells, hESCSMCs. When culture conditions were changed to support SMC growth (DMEM + PDGFBB and TGF-β1), cells assumed SMC morphology including intracellular fibrils, down regulated endothelial gene transcript and protein expression, and began to express α-SMC actin, calponin, SM22, smoothelin, myocardin. Also, concomitant increases in expression of APEG-1 and CRP2/SmLIM, expressed preferentially by arterial SMCs, was found. In contrast, HUVECs placed under these SMC conditions did not display SMC characteristics. Additional studies evaluated intracellular calcium release in hESC-ECs and hESC-SMCs subjected to various pharmacological agonists. The hESC-SMC population preferentially responded to bradykinin, oxytocin, endothelin-1, histamine, and ATP, while hESC-ECs responsed to endothelin-1, histamine, bradykinin, and carbachol. Functional studies were initially done by in vitro culture of these cell populations in Matrigel. hESC-SMCs placed in Matrigel alone did not form a vascular like network. However, an improved vascular structure was seen when hESC-ECs were placed in Matrigel along with hESC-SMCs. Together, these cells formed a dense, more robust vascular network composed of thicker tube structures, indicating a more physiologically relevant model of vasculogenesis. Next in vivo studies have been initiated utilizing a mouse myocardial infarct model. NOD/SCID mice were anesthetized and subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending artery. By assessing cardiac function 3 weeks post infarction, we found that mice receiving an hESC-EC injection (1×106 cells directly into infarction sight) showed greater vascular repair and increased ejection fraction when compared to mice that did not receive an hESCEC injection [untreated control ejection fraction= 14.3% vs hESC-EC treated= 21.3%]. Currently, studies are underway evaluating combined use of hESC-ECs and hESC-SMCs in this infarct model, as we hypothesize that combined use of these cells will be more beneficial for vascular development and repair than either one population alone. Together, the phenotypic and functional studies of these hESC-derived CD34+ cells suggest these cells can act as pericytes with dual endothelial cell and SMC developmental potential and these hESC-derived pericytes can provide an important resource for developing novel cellular therapies for vascular repair.

Protease-activated receptors 1 and 4 mediate thrombin signaling in endothelial cells

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 102 (9) ◽  
pp. 3224-3231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Kataoka ◽  
Justin R. Hamilton ◽  
David D. McKemy ◽  
Eric Camerer ◽  
Yao-Wu Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Protease Activated Receptors ◽  
Erk Phosphorylation ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Mouse Aorta

AbstractDefining the relative importance of protease-activated receptors (PARs) for thrombin signaling in mouse endothelial cells is critical for a basic understanding of thrombin signaling in these cells and for the rational use of knockout mice to probe the roles of thrombin's actions on endothelial cells in vivo. We examined thrombin- and PAR agonist–induced increases in cytoplasmic calcium, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and gene expression in endothelial cells from wild-type and PAR-deficient mice. PAR1 and PAR4 agonists triggered responses in wild-type but not in Par1–/– and Par4–/– endothelial cells, respectively. Calcium imaging confirmed that a substantial fraction of individual endothelial cells responded to both agonists. Compared with wild-type cells, Par1–/– endothelial cells showed markedly decreased responses to low concentrations of thrombin, and cells that lacked both PAR1 and PAR4 showed no responses to even high concentrations of thrombin. Similar results were obtained when endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation of freshly isolated mouse aorta was used as an index of signaling in native endothelial cells. Thus PAR1 is the major thrombin receptor in mouse endothelial cells, but PAR4 also contributes. These receptors serve at least partially redundant roles in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo and together are necessary for the thrombin responses measured.

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