GATA结合蛋白4在心脏发育及心肌重塑中的作用

转录因子GATA结合蛋白4(GATA-binding protein 4, GATA-4)在心脏发育和心肌重塑过程中发挥重要的调控作用.GATA-4基因缺失可致胚胎死亡,而不同位点的错义突变将引起不同类型的先天性心脏发育畸形.GATA-4蛋白表达水平降低可导致心脏功能进行性下降.压力超负荷、缺氧、交感神经激活等各种心肌肥厚刺激因素均可显著影响GATA-4的DNA结合活性,进而通过调控心房利钠肽(ANP)、脑利钠肽(BNP)、B细胞淋巴瘤因子2(Bcl-2)、心肌锚定重复序列蛋白(CARP)等多种心肌重塑相关转录因子的表达参与心肌重塑过程.深入探讨GATA-4的转录调控机制,有望为心血管疾病的防治提供新的线索.本文扼要综述GATA-4在心脏发育及心肌重塑中的研究现状.     

Dendrite-like Process Formation and Cytoskeletal Remodeling Regulated by δ-Catenin Expression

Actin- and microtubule-mediated changes in cell shape are essential for many cellular activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between the two are complex and remain obscure. Here we show that the expression of δ-catenin (or NPRAP/Neurojungin), a member of p120^ctn subfamily of armadillo proteins can induce the branching of dendrite-like processes in 3T3 cells and enhance dendritic morphogenesis in primary hippocampal neurons. This induction of branching phenotype involves initially the disruption of filamentous actin, and requires the growth of microtubules. The carboxyl-terminal truncation mutant of δ-catenin can cluster and redistribute the full-length protein, and dominantly inhibit its branching effect. δ-Catenin forms protein complexes and can bind directly to actin in vitro. The carboxyl-terminal truncation of δ-catenin does not interfere with its actin-binding capability; therefore the actin interaction alone is not sufficient for the induction of dendrite-like processes. When δ-catenin-transformed cells establish elaborate dendrite-like branches, the main cellular processes become stabilized and resist the disruption of both actin filaments and microtubules, as determined by fluorescent light microscopy and time-lapse recording analyses. We suggest that δ-catenin can effect a biphasic cytoskeletal remodeling event which differentially regulates actin and microtubules and promotes cellular morphogenesis.     

β-catenin takes a HIT

Histidine triad (HIT) proteins represent a small family of nucleotide-binding and -hydrolyzing proteins, which attracted the attention of cancer biologists because their expression is lost in multiple human malignancies. To some of the family members including Fhit, Hint1 and Hint2, a tumor suppressive activity was assigned. Although highly similar in structure, their mode of action appears to be different as they are not able to compensate each other’s function. Surprisingly, in any reported assay system the enzymatic activity of the histidine triad proteins was not required for their tumor suppressor function. Until recently, little was known about the molecular mechanisms mediating the tumor suppressor activities of histidine triad proteins. The identification of new interaction partners started to shed light on the signaling pathways modulated by the HIT proteins. Here, we summarize these findings with special emphasis on the histidine triad proteins Hint1 and Fhit and their repressive activity on the β-catenin signaling function.     

微小RNA在心肌重塑中的作用

微小RNA (microRNA, miRNA)是一类含有约22个核苷酸的内源性非编码RNA, 通过与靶mRNA的3′非翻译区(3′ UTR)互补配对, 抑制翻译或促进靶mRNA的降解介导转录后基因调控,涉及多种生物学过程.目前研究表明,miRNA参与了心脏的发育、病理性心肌肥大等过程,表明miRNA可作为新的治疗心肌肥大的靶向分子.本文就新近有关miRNA在心肌重塑中的研究进展予以综述.     

MicroRNAs Are Involved in Homocysteine-Induced Cardiac Remodeling

Elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is one of the major risk factors for chronic heart failure. Although the role of Hcy in cardiac remodeling is documented, the regulatory mechanism involved therein is still nebulous. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and dicer have been implicated in regulation of cardiovascular diseases. Dicer is the only known enzyme involved in miRNA maturation. We investigated the involvement of dicer and miRNA in Hcy-induced cardiac remodeling. HL-1 cardiomyocytes were cultured in different doses of Hcy. Total RNA was isolated and RT-PCR and real-time PCR was performed for dicer, MMP-2,-9, TIMP-1,-3, and NOX-4. MiRNA microarray was used for analyzing the differential expression of miRNAs. Individual miRNA assay was also done. Western blotting was used to assess the MMP-9 expression in HHcy cardiomyocytes. The RT-PCR results suggest that dicer expression is enhanced in HHcy cardiomyocytes suggesting its involvement in cardiac remodeling caused due to high dose of Hcy. On the other hand, high dose of Hcy increased NOX-4 expression, a marker for oxidative stress. Additionally, HHcy cardiomyocytes showed elevated levels of MMP-2,-9 and TIMP-1,-3, and reduced expression of TIMP-4, suggesting cardiac remodeling due to oxidative stress. The miRNA microarray assay revealed differential expression of 11 miRNAs and among them miR-188 show dramatic downregulation. These findings suggest that dicer and miRNAs especially miR-188 are involved in Hcy-induced cardiac remodeling.     

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

During bacteremia Streptococcus pneumoniae can translocate across the vascular endothelium into the myocardium and form discrete bacteria-filled microscopic lesions (microlesions) that are remarkable due to the absence of infiltrating immune cells. Due to their release of cardiotoxic products, S. pneumoniae within microlesions are thought to contribute to the heart failure that is frequently observed during fulminate invasive pneumococcal disease in adults. Herein is demonstrated a protocol for experimental mouse infection that leads to reproducible cardiac microlesion formation within 30 hr. Instruction is provided on microlesion identification in hematoxylin & eosin stained heart sections and the morphological distinctions between early and late microlesions are highlighted. Instruction is provided on a protocol for verification of S. pneumoniae within microlesions using antibodies against pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide and immunofluorescent microscopy. Last, a protocol for antibiotic intervention that rescues infected mice and for the detection and assessment of scar formation in the hearts of convalescent mice is provided. Together, these protocols will facilitate the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying pneumococcal cardiac invasion, cardiomyocyte death, cardiac remodeling as a result of exposure to S. pneumoniae, and the immune response to the pneumococci in the heart.     

Emerging Role of Syndecans in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Cancer

The extracellular matrix (ECM) offers a structural basis for regulating cell functions while also acting as a collection point for bioactive molecules and connective tissue cells. To perform pathological functions under a pathological condition, the involved cells need to regulate the ECM to support their altered functions. This is particularly common in the development of cancer. The ECM has been recognized as a key driver of cancer development and progression, and ECM remodeling occurs at all stages of cancer progression. Thus, cancer cells need to change the ECM to support relevant cell surface adhesion receptor–mediated cell functions. In this context, it is interesting to examine how cancer cells regulate ECM remodeling, which is critical to tumor malignancy and metastatic progression. Here, we review how the cell surface adhesion receptor, syndecan, regulates ECM remodeling as cancer progresses, and explore how this can help us better understand ECM remodeling under these pathological conditions     

RANKL与骨重建

骨是一种动态更新的组织,它不断进行骨吸收（bone resorption）与骨形成（bone formation）的平衡,这个过程称之为骨重建（bone remodeling）．核因子κB受体活化因子配体（receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand,RANKL）是骨吸收和骨形成耦联的关键,具有诱导破骨细胞（osteoclast, OC）生成、活化,抑制破骨细胞凋亡的作用．RANKL最初发现于活化的T细胞,但骨重建过程中RANKL主要来源于骨细胞、成骨细胞和骨髓基质细胞．RANKL/核因子κB受体活化因子（receptor activator of nuclear factor κB,RANK）/骨保护素（osteoprotegerin, OPG）信号通路在成骨细胞调控破骨细胞生成的过程中起着重要的调节作用,是维持骨重建平衡的关键．本文就RANKL及其在骨中的分子作用机制作一综述.     

The Mechanical Role of Microtubules in Tissue Remodeling

During morphogenesis, tissues undergo extensive remodeling to get their final shape. Such precise sculpting requires the application of forces generated within cells by the cytoskeleton and transmission of these forces through adhesion molecules within and between neighboring cells. Within individual cells, microtubules together with actomyosin filaments and intermediate filaments form the composite cytoskeleton that controls cell mechanics during tissue rearrangements. While studies have established the importance of actin-based mechanical forces that are coupled via intercellular junctions, relatively little is known about the contribution of other cytoskeletal components such as microtubules to cell mechanics during morphogenesis. In this review the focus is on recent findings, highlighting the direct mechanical role of microtubules beyond its well-established role in trafficking and signaling during tissue formation.     

Aggravated Cardiac Remodeling post Aortocaval Fistula in Unilateral Nephrectomized Rats

Background

Aortocaval fistula (AV) in rat is a unique model of volume-overload congestive heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy. Living donor kidney transplantation is regarded as beneficial to allograft recipients and not particularly detrimental to the donors. Impact of AV on animals with mild renal dysfunction is not fully understood. In this study, we explored the effects of AV in unilateral nephrectomized (UNX) rats.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into Sham (n = 10), UNX (right kidney remove, n = 10), AV (AV established between the levels of renal arteries and iliac bifurcation, n = 18) and UNX+AV (AV at one week after UNX, n = 22), respectively. Renal outcome was measured by glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, fractional excretion of sodium, albuminuria, plasma creatinine, and cystatin C. Focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) incidence was evaluated by renal histology. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements.

Results

UNX alone induced compensatory left kidney enlargement, increased plasma creatinine and cystatin C levels, and slightly reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased FGS. AV induced significant cardiac enlargement and hypertrophy and reduced cardiac function and increased FGS, these changes were aggravated in UNX+AV rats.

Conclusions

Although UNX only induces minor renal dysfunction, additional chronic volume overload placement during the adaptation phase of the remaining kidney is associated with aggravated cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in UNX rats, suggesting special medical care is required for UNX or congenital monokidney subjects in case of chronic volume overload as in the case of pregnancy and hyperthyroidism to prevent further adverse cardiorenal events in these individuals.     

人参皂甙Rb1改善转基因扩张型心肌病模型小鼠的心功能和心脏重构

目的利用cTnT^R141W转基因扩张型心肌病小鼠,研究人参皂甙Rb1对遗传性扩张型心肌病心功能及心脏重构的作用及其可能机制。方法将cTnT^R141W转基因小鼠随机分为模型组和人参皂甙Rb1治疗组（70 mg/kg/d）,连续给药7个月,取野生型小鼠作为对照组。心脏超声检测心脏功能及几何构型。HE染色观察心肌细胞变化。透射电镜分析心肌超微结构。RT-PCR检测心肌粘附蛋白的表达。免疫荧光激光共聚焦观察心肌粘附分子Itga8的表达与分布。结果Rb1长期给药能显著改善该模型的心脏功能及几何构型。光镜和透射电镜观察显示Rb1能减轻心肌细胞排列紊乱及超微结构的破坏。RT-PCR结果显示,在模型中Cx40表达降低,E-cad、itga8和itgb1bp3表达升高,但在Rb1组中接近正常水平。免疫荧光激光共聚焦结果显示Rb1可降低Itga8的表达量并调节其分布。结论Rb1可改善扩张型心肌病模型的心功能,抑制心脏重构,其作用可能部分通过调节粘附蛋白的表达而实现的。     

Role of the Phosphatase PTEN in Early Vascular Remodeling

Background

The phosphatase PTEN represents an important physiological inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3-K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling, however, the functional role of PTEN in the initial phase of angioplasty-induced vascular injury remains elusive. In the present study we sought to determine PTEN''s effect on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis following acute injury in vivo and in vitro.

Methods and Results

Immunohistochemistry indicated a faint basal expression and equal distribution of PTEN in uninjured rat carotid arteries. 12 h following balloon-injury, PTEN expression was strongly increased in apoptotic (TUNEL+) VSMC. In vitro, stimulation with serum or different growth factors or subjecting VSMC to cyclic stretch had no effect on PTEN expression, whereas stimulation with H₂O₂ robustly increased PTEN expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. To evaluate the functional role of PTEN expression, human VSMC were transduced with WT-PTEN. Overexpression of PTEN increased the number of apoptotic VSMC (19.8%±4.4 vs. 5.6%±2.3; P<0.001) as determined by TUNEL assay. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knock-down of PTEN attenuated the basal as well as H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of VSMC. Mechanistically, overexpression of PTEN prevented serum-induced Akt-phosphorylation, whereas siRNA-mediated knock down of PTEN augmented Akt-activation. Moreover, co-transfection of PTEN and a constitutive active Akt mutant prevented PTEN-dependent augmentation of VSMC apoptosis, indicating, that PTEN regulates VSMC apoptosis by inhibition of Akt phosphorylation/activation.

Conclusion

By interfering with the PI3-K/Akt-dependent survival signalling, the oxidative stress-induced up regulation of PTEN in VSMC of injured arteries augments the sensitivity of VSMC to apoptotic stimuli in the early phase following vascular injury, augmenting the initial injury and cell loss of the injured vessel wall. Thus, these data add to our understanding of PTEN''s role during vascular remodelling.     

The Role of Proprotein Convertases in Upper Airway Remodeling

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa and tissue remodeling, which can include basal/progenitor cell hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, squamous cell metaplasia, loss or dysfunction of ciliated cells, and increased matrix deposition. Repeated injuries can stimulate airway epithelial cells to produce inflammatory mediators that activate epithelial cells, immune cells, or the epithelial–mesenchymal trophic unit. This persistent inflammation can consequently induce aberrant tissue remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms driving disease within the different molecular CRS subtypes remain inadequately characterized. Numerous secreted and cell surface proteins relevant to airway inflammation and remodeling are initially synthesized as inactive precursor proteins, including growth/differentiation factors and their associated receptors, enzymes, adhesion molecules, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones. Therefore, these precursor proteins require post-translational cleavage by proprotein convertases (PCs) to become fully functional. In this review, we summarize the roles of PCs in CRS-associated tissue remodeling and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PCs for CRS treatment.