scholarly journals Role of NFAT in the Progression of Diabetic Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaoyao Cai ◽  
Haipeng Yao ◽  
Zhen Sun ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Yunyun Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
Foam Cell Formation

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a transcription factor with a multidirectional regulatory function, that is widely expressed in immune cells, including cells in the cardiovascular system, and non-immune cells. A large number of studies have confirmed that calcineurin/NFAT signal transduction is very important in the development of vascular system and cardiovascular system during embryonic development, and plays some role in the occurrence of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and hypertension. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that NFAT proteins and their activation in the nucleus and binding to DNA-related sites can easily ɨnduce the expression of downstream target genes that participate in the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and vascular inflammation of vascular wall related cells in various pathophysiological states. NFAT expression is regulated by various signaling pathways, including CD137-CD137L, and OX40-OX40L pathways. As a functionally diverse transcription factor, NFAT interacts with a large number of signaling molecules to modulate intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways. These NFAT-centered signaling pathways play important regulatory roles in the progression of atherosclerosis, such as in vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition and migration, endothelial cell injury, macrophage-derived foam cell formation, and plaque calcification. NFAT and related signaling pathways provide new therapeutic targets for vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Hence, further studies of the mechanism of NFAT in the occurrence and evolution of atherosclerosis remain crucial.

scholarly journals Sclerostin and Vascular Pathophysiology

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonino Catalano ◽  
Federica Bellone ◽  
Nunziata Morabito ◽  
Francesco Corica
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Wnt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
And Migration

There is cumulating evidence for a contribution of Wnt signaling pathways in multiple processes involved in atherosclerosis and vascular aging. Wnt signaling plays a role in endothelial dysfunction, in the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and intimal thickening. Moreover, it interferes with inflammation processes, monocyte adhesion and migration, as well as with foam cell formation and vascular calcification progression. Sclerostin is a negative regulator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and, accordingly, the consequence of increased sclerostin availability can be disruption of the Wnt signalling cascade. Sclerostin is becoming a marker for clinical and subclinical vascular diseases and several lines of evidence illustrate its role in the pathophysiology of the vascular system. Sclerostin levels increase with aging and persist higher in some diseases (e.g., diabetes, chronic kidney disease) that are known to precipitate atherosclerosis and enhance cardiovascular risk. Current knowledge on the association between sclerostin and vascular diseases is summarized in this review.

scholarly journals Functional effects of variation in transcription factor binding highlight long-range gene regulation by epromoters

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Mitchelmore ◽  
Nastasiya Grinberg ◽  
Chris Wallace ◽  
Mikhail Spivakov
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Regulatory Function ◽  
Regulatory Sequences ◽  
Distal Enhancer ◽  
Association Testing ◽  
Gene Regulatory

AbstractIdentifying DNA cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) that control the expression of specific genes is crucial for deciphering the logic of transcriptional control. Natural genetic variation can point to the possible gene regulatory function of specific sequences through their allelic associations with gene expression. However, comprehensive identification of causal regulatory sequences in brute-force association testing without incorporating prior knowledge is challenging due to limited statistical power and effects of linkage disequilibrium. Sequence variants affecting transcription factor (TF) binding at CRMs have a strong potential to influence gene regulatory function, which provides a motivation for prioritising such variants in association testing. Here, we generate an atlas of CRMs showing predicted allelic variation in TF binding affinity in human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and test their association with the expression of their putative target genes inferred from Promoter Capture Hi-C and immediate linear proximity. We reveal over 1300 CRM TF-binding variants associated with target gene expression, the majority of them undetected with standard association testing. A large proportion of CRMs showing associations with the expression of genes they contact in 3D localise to the promoter regions of other genes, supporting the notion of ‘epromoters’: dual-action CRMs with promoter and distal enhancer activity.

Abstract 43: Activation of the Nuclear Receptor Coactivator PGC-1α Mediates an Atheroprotective Effect

2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathal McCarthy ◽  
Declan Mooney ◽  
Monica de Gaetano ◽  
William James ◽  
Desmond J Fitzgerald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Nuclear Receptor Coactivator ◽  
Hub Gene ◽  
Cd36 Expression ◽  
Ppar Agonists ◽  
Human Atherosclerosis

Supplementing dietary chow with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) induces marked regression of pre-established murine atherosclerosis, in contrast to other PPAR agonists. The finding suggests that there are unidentified endogenous pathways that suppress the progression or promote the regression of atherosclerosis. Identifying these pathways in the mouse and their homologues in humans may help elucidate the mechanisms of the disease and targets for future therapies. Here, we provide evidence that CLA inhibits foam cell formation via regulation of the nuclear receptor co-activator, PGC-1α in a manner that differs from PPAR activation. Gene expression analysis was performed in the aorta of ApoE -/- mice following induction of atherosclerosis and dietary supplementation with/without CLA. CLA induced dramatic regression of the cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. PGC-1α was identified as a ‘hub’ gene within a cluster of genes induced by CLA in the aorta of the ApoE -/- during regression. PGC-1α protein was also found in murine and human atherosclerotic plaque, where it was localised to macrophage/foam cells. In a mouse macrophage cell line exposed to oxLDL, CLA induced PGC-1α and several genes in the network in an isomer specific fashion, including RORαand ABCA1. CLA also induced the PGC-1α target genes Cyp7b1 and UCP-1, and PPAR. CLA inhibited foam cell formation in the same cells exposed to oxLDL and suppressed the expression of the scavenger receptors, SRA-1 and CD36. Expression of the PGC-1α in macrophages had similar effects. Thus, over-expression of PGC-1α limited the accumulation of oxLDL and subsequent foam cell formation, while deletion of the gene promoted foam cell formation in bone marrow derived macrophages upon exposure to oxLDL. Moreover, deletion of PGC-1α prevented the inhibition of macrophages/foam cell formation by CLA. The nuclear receptor co-activator PGC-1α is a hub gene in a network of genes activated in the aorta during CLA-induced regression of atherosclerosis and mediates CLA’s inhibition of foam cell formation. PGC-1α is also is also expressed in human plaques where its expression is inversely associated with disease progression, raising the possibility that this pathway if activated could regulate human atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals Chronic stress: a critical risk factor for atherosclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 1429-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo-chen Yao ◽  
Ling-bing Meng ◽  
Meng-lei Hao ◽  
Yuan-meng Zhang ◽  
Tao Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Systemic Reaction ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Signal Pathways

Chronic stress refers to the non-specific systemic reaction that occurs when the body is stimulated by various internal and external negative factors over a long time. The physiological response to chronic stress exposure has long been recognized as a potent modulator in the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, research has confirmed the correlation between atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Chronic stress is pervasive during negative life events and may lead to the formation of plaque. Several epidemiological studies have shown that chronic stress is an independent risk factor for the development of vascular disease and for increased morbidity and mortality in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease. One possible mechanism for this process is that chronic stress causes endothelial injury, directly activating macrophages, promoting foam cell formation and generating the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This mechanism involves numerous variables, including inflammation, signal pathways, lipid metabolism and endothelial function. The mechanism of chronic stress in atherosclerosis should be further investigated to provide a theoretical basis for efforts to eliminate the effect of chronic stress on the cardiocerebral vascular system.

Signaling pathways potentially responsible for foam cell formation: Cholesterol accumulation or inflammatory response - What is primary?

2020 ◽  
Vol 315 ◽  
pp. e58
Author(s):  
V.N. Sukhorukov ◽  
N.G. Nikiforov ◽  
M. Kubekina ◽  
I.A. Sobenin ◽  
K.K. Foxx ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Cholesterol Accumulation

scholarly journals Dan-Lou Prescription Inhibits Foam Cell Formation Induced by ox-LDL via the TLR4/NF-κB and PPARγ Signaling Pathways

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Na Gao ◽  
Xin Zhou ◽  
Yu-Ren Lu ◽  
Kefeng Li ◽  
Shan Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Cell Formation ◽  
Foam Cell Formation

scholarly journals MEOX2 homeobox gene promotes growth of malignant gliomas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schönrock ◽  
Elisa Heinzelmann ◽  
Bianca Steffl ◽  
Ashwin Narayanan ◽  
Damir Krunic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Malignant Gliomas ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Chromosome 7 ◽  
Erk Signaling ◽  
Transcriptional Networks ◽  
Normal Brain

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor that frequently exhibits gain of chromosome 7, loss of chromosome 10 and aberrantly activated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. Here, we identify mesenchyme homeobox 2 (MEOX2) on chromosome 7 with increased expression in GBM as a salient oncogenic transcription factor. Specifically, we show that MEOX2 overexpression leads to increased ERK phosphorylation, and we identify a phosphorylation site on MEOX2 that regulates its transcriptional activity by altering its subnuclear localization. We show that MEOX2 overexpression can lead to increased growth in GBM implantation models and cooperates with loss of p53 and PTEN in cerebral organoid models of human malignant gliomas to induce cell proliferation. Furthermore, using high-throughput genomics, we identify transcriptional target genes of MEOX2 in patient-derived GBM tumorsphere models and a fresh frozen GBM tumor. These analyses show that MEOX2 activates several oncogenic pathways involved in MAPK signaling and extracellular matrix organization. Furthermore, MEOX2 binds to oncogenic ETS factors and known glioma oncogenes such as FABP7. In total, we reveal a novel role for MEOX2 in GBM initiation and progression and demonstrate that MEOX2 can enhance ERK signaling through a feed-forward mechanism.Significance StatementGlioblastoma (GBM) harbors gain of chromosome 7 as an early driver event. In this study, we show that mesenchyme homeobox 2 (MEOX2), an aberrantly upregulated transcription factor on chromosome 7, is an oncogene in human glioblastoma. In contrast to GBM, MEOX2 expression is very low in normal brain. We show that MEOX2 cooperates with p53 and PTEN loss to promote tumor initiation in cerebral organoid models. In addition, we identify direct and indirect molecular targets of MEOX2 and demonstrate its role in activating the ERK signaling cascade. These findings identify a novel oncogene in GBM and highlight the transcriptional networks hijacked by these tumors to activate signaling pathways central to GBM biology.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Transcriptional Regulation by Nur77 in Central Nervous System and Immune System

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montserrat Olivares Costa ◽  
Fernando Faunes ◽  
María Estela Andrés
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Neuronal Stem Cells

Abstract ObjectiveThe objectives of this work were to find genes regulated by Nur77 in neurons and to evaluate the possible common role of this transcription factor in neurons and lymphatic cells using published experimentally generated databases of ChIP-Seq and a microarray. We also characterized Nur77 binding throughout the genome. ResultsWe identified 113 Nur77 target genes in neuronal stem cells and 116 in neuronal cells. Cell adhesion and anchoring processes emerged as regulated by Nur77 in neurons and lymphatic cells. We found 9 common genes regulated by Nur77. Finally, we described a significant distribution of Nur77 binding sites in strong enhancers and active promoters. This work is a first step to understand the role of Nur77 and its common targets in neurons and immune cells.

P1941The nuclear receptor corepressor 1 blocks CD36-mediated foam cell formation in atherogenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Oppi ◽  
S Stein ◽  
V Marzolla ◽  
E Osto ◽  
Z Rancic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptors ◽  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
High Cholesterol Diet ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Aortic Sinus ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
Nuclear Receptor Corepressor

Abstract Background Nuclear receptors and their cofactors regulate the expression of various target genes in different tissue and organs to orchestrate downstream (patho)physiological processes. Although the function of several nuclear receptors in atherosclerosis has been studied, very little is known about the role of nuclear receptor cofactors in atherosclerosis. Given its important role to suppress inflammatory processes, we speculated that macrophage nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) plays a protective function in atherosclerosis development. Purpose To evaluate the contribution of macrophage NCOR1 in atherosclerosis we used myeloid cell-specific Ncor1 knockout mice on an atherosclerosis-prone background. Methods and results 8-week-old male and female mice were exposed to a high high-cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. Our findings demonstrate that the lack of macrophage Ncor1 leads to a severe atherosclerotic phenotype in both sexes. These mice show a higher content of plaques along the thoraco-abdominal aortae as well as at the aortic sinus, which were characterized by larger necrotic cores and thinner fibrous caps, a typical signature of unstable plaques. Moreover, we found that the pro-atherogenic effects of the Ncor1 deletion are mediated via derepression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) target genes in mouse and human macrophages, especially the enhanced expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor and the subsequent rise in oxLDL uptake. Interestingly, while the expression of NCOR1 is reduced, the PPARγ signature is increased in human atherosclerotic plaques, and this signature is further pronounced in ruptured compared to stable carotid plaques. Conclusion Our findings suggest that macrophage NCOR1 blocks the pro-atherogenic functions of PPARγ in atherosclerosis and prevents the disease development. Acknowledgement/Funding The Swiss National Science Foundation, the Novartis Foundation, Olga-Mayenfisch Foundation, the OPO foundation

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