Article
Hematology
Katherine M. Owsiany, Rebecca A. Deaton, Karen G. Soohoo, Anh Tram Nguyen, Gary K. Owens
Summary: This study investigates the contribution of MCP1 produced by classical smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and Lgals3-transitioned SMCs in atherosclerosis. The results show that MCP1 produced by classical SMCs has an atheroprotective effect, while MCP1 produced by Lgals3-transitioned SMCs exacerbates plaque pathogenesis. These findings highlight the need for caution when considering therapeutic interventions involving MCP1.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Sathish Babu Vasamsetti, Niranjana Natarajan, Samreen Sadaf, Jonathan Florentin, Partha Dutta
Summary: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is an important metabolic organ that regulates fat mass and metabolic balance through the secretion of adipocytokines. These adipocytokines play key roles in metabolic disorders, aging, and cardiovascular health.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Melissa Parny, Agnes Coste, Agnes Aubouy, Mouna Rahabi, Melissa Prat, Bernard Pipy, Michel Treilhou
Summary: This study examined the effects of six pesticides commonly used in apple arboriculture on the functions of human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs). The results showed that exposure to certain pesticides may have toxic effects on immune cells and modulate antioxidant enzyme expression, while other pesticides had minimal influence.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Grinan, Joan Carles Escola-Gil, Josep Julve, Sonia Benitez, Noemi Rotllan
Summary: Increased serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis. The role of Hcy in this condition is not well understood, but epigenetic modifications and miRNAs may play important roles. MiRNAs have been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cholesterol accumulation, inflammation, and plaque formation in atherosclerosis. They may also serve as potential biomarkers for HHcy-induced atherosclerosis. MiRNA-based therapies show promise for managing Hcy-induced atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Huan Yang, Ting Zhou, Amelia Stranz, Elise DeRoo, Bo Liu
Summary: A study using single-cell RNA sequencing on mouse AAA tissues revealed 12 distinct populations of 8 cell types. The percentages of each population and gene expression were compared between sham and AAA tissue, showing that populations within major cell types such as smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages may contribute differently to AAA pathogenesis.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olha M. Koval, Emily K. Nguyen, Dylan J. Mittauer, Karima Ait-Aissa, William C. Chinchankar, Isabella M. Grumbach
Summary: In this study, the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+ levels in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) was investigated. The results showed that VSMCs from T2D mice exhibited increased proliferation and altered Ca2+ handling compared to normoglycemic mice. Inhibiting mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake or mitochondrial transition pore (mPTP) had contrasting effects on VSMC proliferation, while inhibiting Ca2+-dependent signaling in the cytosol reduced excessive activation of Erk1/2 and VSMC proliferation. These findings suggest that altered Ca2+ handling and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to enhanced VSMC proliferation in T2D.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jia-Jie Lin, Wei Chen, Miao Gong, Xin Xu, Mei-Yang Du, Si-Fan Wang, Li-Yun Yang, Yu Wang, Ke-Xin Liu, Peng Kong, Bin Li, Kun Liu, Yi-Ming Li, Li-Hua Dong, Shao-Guang Sun
Summary: The research identified multiple lncRNAs involved in regulating VSMC proliferation, with HIF1A-AS2 promoting HASMC proliferation through the miR-30e-5p/CCND2 mRNA axis. These findings reveal potential pathways for treating VSMC proliferative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Dan Li, Ning-Yi Shao, Jan-Renier Moonen, Zhixin Zhao, Minyi Shi, Shoichiro Otsuki, Lingli Wang, Tiffany Nguyen, Elaine Yan, David P. Marciano, Kevin Contrepois, Caiyun G. Li, Joseph C. Wu, Michael P. Snyder, Marlene Rabinovitch
Summary: Our studies have uncovered a metabolic-transcriptional axis explaining how dividing cells use ALDH1A3 to coordinate their energy needs with the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of genes required for SMC proliferation. They suggest that selectively disrupting the pivotal role of ALDH1A3 in PAH SMC, but not endothelial cells, is an important therapeutic consideration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel Angel Hernandez-Lara, Santosh K. Yadav, Sushrut D. Shah, Mariko Okumura, Yuichi Yokoyama, Raymond B. Penn, Taku Kambayashi, Deepak A. Deshpande
Summary: Airway remodeling in asthma involves the hyperproliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. The inhibition of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) reduces the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA) and inhibits ASM cell proliferation. These findings suggest that DGK may serve as a potential drug target for mitigating airway remodeling in asthma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gema Mondejar-Parreno, Angel Cogolludo, Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
Summary: The functional diversity of K+ channels in the pulmonary vasculature is attributed to various factors including gene expression, alternative RNA splicing, post-transcriptional modifications, and the presence of different subunits. These channels play a crucial role in regulating membrane potential and controlling the dilation or contraction of pulmonary arteries. Impaired K+ channel activity is a key factor in the development of pulmonary hypertension, which can result from mutation, downregulation of expression, or decreased channel current due to various vasoactive factors or drug exposure. Restoring K+ channel function is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary hypertension.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Paul Chaintreuil, Emeline Kerreneur, Maxence Bourgoin, Coline Savy, Cecile Favreau, Guillaume Robert, Arnaud Jacquel, Patrick Auberger
Summary: Macrophages can adopt various phenotypes and play important roles in immune response, inflammation, and tissue repair. In human tissues, there are three main subpopulations of macrophages: naive macrophages, pro-inflammatory macrophages, and anti-inflammatory macrophages. Naive macrophages display phagocytic functions and can polarize into pro or anti-inflammatory macrophages. Pro-inflammatory macrophages are involved in the inflammatory response, while anti-inflammatory macrophages aid in the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of macrophage generation, activation, and polarization is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sui-Shane Huang, Rongle Liu, Shufu Chang, Xiao Li, Xinyu Weng, Junbo Ge
Summary: This study reveals that the administration of Indole-3-aldehyde (3-IAId) significantly mitigates aortic dissection and rupture rates, leading to a notable reduction in mortality rates. Furthermore, it inhibits the phenotype transition of vascular smooth muscle cells, attenuates extracellular matrix degradation, suppresses macrophage infiltration, and reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines, collectively contributing to the attenuation of AD development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sou Inagaki, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Keisuke Kawasaki, Rubii Kondo, Yuji Imaizumi, Hisao Yamamura
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in cytosolic Ca2+ buffering and energy metabolism. Recent research has shown that Mfn2 regulates Ca2+ signaling by tethering mitochondria and sarco-plasmic reticulum, enhancing mitochondrial function and VSMC proliferation. However, the physiological role of Mfn1 in Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial function is still unclear.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joby Cole, Adrienn Angyal, Richard D. Emes, Tim John Mitchell, Mark J. Dickman, David H. Dockrell
Summary: The virulence factor pneumolysin influences epigenetic and transcriptional responses in macrophages infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, leading to altered innate immune response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Weiyang Li, Yuanru Yang, Lin Yang, Na Chang, Liying Li
Summary: This study reveals that bone marrow monocyte-derived Kupffer cells (MoKCs) dominate in injured livers. MoKCs exhibit enhanced proliferative and anti-apoptotic properties compared to embryonic KCs (EmKCs), promoting repair and attenuating fibrosis while reducing functional damage, necrosis, and fibrosis.
