Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tong Li, Baofu Wang, Hao Ding, Shiqi Chen, Weiting Cheng, Yang Li, Xiaoxiao Wu, Lei Wang, Yangyang Jiang, Ziwen Lu, Yu Teng, Sha Su, Xiaowan Han, Mingjing Zhao
Summary: Atherosclerosis (AS)-related diseases are the leading cause of death in clinical patients. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a crucial role in AS, and intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is important in the pathophysiology of AS.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yuanyuan Ding, Ruihua Yin, Shuai Zhang, Qi Xiao, Hongqin Zhao, Xudong Pan, Xiaoyan Zhu
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving various cellular functions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs and RNA-binding proteins play important regulatory roles in atherosclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Priya Raman, Saugat Khanal
Summary: Leptin plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic complications associated with obesity and diabetes. Elevated levels of leptin can lead to vascular dysfunction and the development of atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mandy O. J. Grootaert, Martin R. Bennett
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells play a key role in atherosclerosis by forming a protective fibrous cap and exhibiting various phenotypes that can affect plaque formation and stability. They are a larger proportion of atherosclerotic plaques than previously thought and their plasticity is regulated by various mechanisms.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hui Xu, Yu-Qing Ni, You-Shuo Liu
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple types of cells, with extracellular vesicles containing miRNAs and lncRNAs playing a crucial role in disease progression. EVs not only contribute to intercellular communication but also have the potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Deborah D. Chin, Christopher Poon, Jonathan Wang, Johan Joo, Victor Ong, Zhangjingyi Jiang, Kayley Cheng, Anastasia Plotkin, Gregory A. Magee, Eun Ji Chung
Summary: The delivery of miR-145 micelles to VSMCs shows promise in mitigating atherosclerosis progression by altering cell phenotypes and reducing plaque growth. In mouse experiments, miR-145 micelles significantly inhibited the advancement of atherosclerosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mojtaba Parvizi, Zachary C. Ryan, Sanam Ebtehaj, Bonnie K. Arendt, Ian R. Lanza
Summary: Research has shown that senescent preadipocytes can induce an inflammatory phenotype, decrease cell viability, disrupt proliferation and migration, affecting the occurrence of vascular diseases by triggering phenotypic and functional changes in key cellular components of blood vessels.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriel Hoi-Huen Chan, Enoch Chan, Carsten Tsun-Ka Kwok, George Pak-Heng Leung, Simon Ming-Yuen Lee, Sai-Wang Seto
Summary: Ageing is a risk factor for degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The tumor suppressor gene p53 may play a regulatory role in vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of p53 in cardiovascular function and its therapeutic potential.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jahnic Beck-Joseph, Stephanie Lehoux
Summary: This article discusses the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the roles of vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages in the disease. By studying intercellular communication and molecular interactions, a better understanding of the disease and the development of new therapeutic strategies can be achieved.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabienne Burger, Daniela Baptista, Aline Roth, Rafaela Fernandes da Silva, Fabrizio Montecucco, Francois Mach, Karim J. Brandt, Kapka Miteva
Summary: The study demonstrated that oxLDL-activated monocytes can directly affect VSMCs in a co-culture system, leading to reduced expression of certain markers and upregulation of others, as well as activation of caspase 1, secretion of IL-1 beta, and pyroptosis in VSMCs. The activation of VSMC NLRP3 inflammasome by monocytes may play a detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque stability in human atherosclerosis, as evidenced by findings in both mice and human atherosclerotic plaques.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Hematology
Ashish Misra, Rajan Rehan, Alexander Lin, Sanjay Patel, Edward A. Fisher
Summary: Clonal expansion plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis, particularly in smooth muscle cells and macrophages. Recent studies have revealed the contribution of clonal expansion to disease pathology and provided innovative directions for future therapies of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justine Bonetti, Alessandro Corti, Lucie Lerouge, Alfonso Pompella, Caroline Gaucher
Summary: Monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) play key roles in atherosclerosis development and exhibit plasticity in response to environmental changes; vSMCs can switch from a contractile to a secretory phenotype and display macrophage characteristics, contributing to foam cell formation in atherosclerotic plaques. Nitric oxide levels impact molecular pathways involved in these processes, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for further exploration.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joseph M. Miano, Edward A. Fisher, Mark W. Majesky
Summary: Studying the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and developing new therapies. Recent technological and conceptual advances shed light on the multifunctionality and plasticity of VSMCs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Kloc, Jacek Z. Kubiak, Rafik M. Ghobrial
Summary: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the development of plaque on artery walls. Foam cells, derived not only from macrophages but also from other cells, play a crucial role in plaque formation and rupture. These findings provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kiran Sriram, Yingjun Luo, Dongqiang Yuan, Naseeb Kaur Malhi, Alonso Tapia, Vishnu Amaram Samara, Rama Natarajan, Zhen Bouman Chen
Summary: This study investigates the expression and regulatory function of LINC00607 in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The study finds that LINC00607 is abundantly expressed in arteries and its expression level is increased in diabetic humans. The study characterizes the transcriptomes regulated by LINC00607 in ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under basal and diabetic conditions. Furthermore, the study identifies c-Myc as an upstream transcription factor of LINC00607. The study also demonstrates that a modified antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of LINC00607 can reverse dysfunctional changes induced by high glucose and TNF alpha in ECs.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Andrew J. Buckler, Eva Karlof, Mariette Lengquist, T. Christian Gasser, Lars Maegdefessel, Ljubica Perisic Matic, Ulf Hedin
Summary: This feasibility study aimed to decode the molecular phenotype of atherosclerotic plaques through analysis of computed-tomography angiography images, using machine intelligence to predict gene expression based on plaque morphology. The results showed that image analysis of conventional computed-tomography angiography can elucidate the molecular signature of atherosclerotic lesions, providing promise for optimized personalized therapy in the prevention of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Valentina Paloschi, Maria Sabater-Lleal, Heleen Middelkamp, Aisen Vivas, Sofia Johansson, Andries van der Meer, Maria Tenje, Lars Maegdefessel
Summary: The development of organ-on-chip technology has greatly advanced the simulation of human physiology and pathophysiology, leading to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and offering valuable assets for personalized cardiovascular medicine and improved patient care in the future.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping Gao, Pan Gao, Jinjing Zhao, Shengshuai Shan, Wei Luo, Orazio J. Slivano, Wei Zhang, Akiko Tabuchi, Scott A. LeMaire, Lars Maegdefessel, Ying H. Shen, Joseph M. Miano, Harold A. Singer, Xiaochun Long
Summary: The study demonstrated the critical role of MKL1 in AAA, showing that its deficiency can reduce the risk of AAA formation and aortic rupture, as well as decrease aging and pro-inflammatory effects in the vessel wall and VSMCs. This research revealed a molecular pathway of AAA formation involving MKL1/p38MAPK stimulation, suggesting that targeting the MKL1/p38MAPK pathway may be an effective treatment for AAA.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Gabor Gabel, Bernd H. Northoff, Amanda Balboa, Mediha Becirovic-Agic, Marcelo Petri, Albert Busch, Lars Maegdefessel, Adrian Mahlmann, Stefan Ludwig, Daniel Teupser, Vivian de Waard, Jonathan Golledge, Anders Wanhainen, Dick Wagsater, Lesca M. Holdt, Jan H. N. Lindeman
Summary: Through comparing clinical AAA disease with its two models, genomic similarities were found between clinical AAA disease and the AngII model, suggesting that the metabolic response may causatively be involved in AAA progression and providing a novel therapeutic target. The porcine pancreatic elastase model was classified as a disease initiation model, showing a clear transient genomic response.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Till Seime, Asim Cengiz Akbulut, Moritz Lindquist Liljeqvist, Antti Siika, Hong Jin, Greg Winski, Rick H. van Gorp, Eva Karlof, Mariette Lengquist, Andrew J. Buckler, Malin Kronqvist, Olivia J. Waring, Jan H. N. Lindeman, Erik A. L. Biessen, Lars Maegdefessel, Anton Razuvaev, Leon J. Schurgers, Ulf Hedin, Ljubica Matic
Summary: Calcification is a key feature of late-stage atherosclerosis, and recent research has shown that the expression of PRG4 is correlated with vascular remodeling and intimal calcification. Experimental models suggest that PRG4 plays a role in SMC function and osteogenic phenotype, impacting atherosclerotic plaque stability. Further investigations are needed to better understand the mechanisms behind PRG4's effects on calcification and SMC behavior.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ramzi Y. Khamis, Adam Hartley, Mikhail Caga-Anan, Samata S. Pandey, Cinzia Marceddu, Chiari Kojima, Shang-Hung Chang, Joseph J. Boyle, Jason L. Johnson, Harry Bjorkbacka, Liang Guo, Aloke V. Finn, Renu Virmani, Jan Nilsson, Dorian O. Haskard
Summary: This study generated and characterized a novel autoantibody, LO9, in atherosclerosis for targeting of molecular determinants. LO9 reacted well with native LDL bound to immobilized matrix components and localized to a specific peptide sequence. LO9 showed reactivity with antigen in mouse and human atherosclerosis and localized beneath the endothelium in vivo.
JACC-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Aaron Becker von Rose, Kathrin Kobus, Bianca Bohmann, Moritz Lindquist-Lilljequist, Wolf Eilenberg, Florian Bassermann, Christian Reeps, Hans-Henning Eckstein, Matthias Trenner, Lars Maegdefessel, Christoph Neumayer, Christine Brostjan, Joy Roy, Rebecka Hultgren, Benedikt J. Schwaiger, Albert Busch
Summary: The study aimed to assess the associations between malignancy, therapeutic regimens, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth rates. The results showed that radiation may be associated with reduced aneurysm growth, while administration of antimetabolites resulted in increased growth.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF VASCULAR AND ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew Bond, Vito Bruno, Jason Johnson, Sarah George, Raimondo Ascione
Summary: This study developed a method to isolate porcine endothelial-like cells from blood obtained under clinical conditions and conducted preliminary testing. The derived cells showed similar morphology and marker expression to isolated porcine aortic endothelial cells and remained viable under shear stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Lien M. Reolizo, Helen Williams, Kerry Wadey, Aleksandra Frankow, Ze Li, Kevin Gaston, Padma-Sheela Jayaraman, Jason L. L. Johnson, Sarah J. J. George
Summary: By delivering adenovirus-encoded PRH S163C:S177C protein, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can be attenuated, and the phenotype can be modified. Moreover, PRH S163C:S177C can protect endothelial cells (ECs), reduce intimal thickening, and promote endothelial repair and anti-inflammatory properties.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Esther Cynn, Daniel Y. Li, Marcella E. O'Reilly, Ying Wang, Alexander C. Bashore, Anjali Jha, Andrea S. Foulkes, Hanrui Zhang, Hanna Winter, Lars Maegdefessel, Hanying Yan, Mingyao Li, Leila Ross, Chenyi Xue, Muredach P. Reilly
Summary: In this study, researchers identified a non-conserved, human-specific long noncoding RNA called SIMALR that suppresses macrophage apoptosis in atherosclerosis. SIMALR interacts with HIF1α to regulate the transcription of a known macrophage survival factor, NTN1. This research highlights the importance of investigating the functions of human lncRNAs and exploring their translational and therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesca Fasolo, Valentina Paloschi, Lars Maegdefessel
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the accumulation of fatty substances, cellular waste products, and fibrous elements in the medium and large arteries, leading to plaque formation and blood flow obstruction. Endothelial dysfunction and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells play crucial roles in the progression of atherogenesis. Long non-coding RNAs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis due to their regulatory functions on gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sandro Satta, Robert Beal, Rhys Smith, Xing Luo, Glenn R. Ferris, Alex Langford-Smith, Jack Teasdale, Tom Tanjeko Ajime, Jef Serre, Georgina Hazell, Graciela Sala Newby, Jason L. Johnson, Svitlana Kurinna, Martin J. Humphries, Ghislaine Gayan-Ramirez, Peter Libby, Hans Degens, Bo Yu, Thomas Johnson, Yvonne Alexander, Haibo Jia, Andrew C. Newby, Stephen J. White
Summary: Researchers recreated the conditions of endothelial erosion of plaques in vitro and identified a novel Nrf2-OSGIN1&2-HSP70 axis that regulates endothelial adhesion, as well as elevated GDF15 and HSP70 as biomarkers for plaque erosion in patients with smoking history. They also identified two therapeutic targets for reducing the risk of plaque erosion.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Hanna Winter, Lars Maegdefessel
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marycarmen Arevalo Martinez, Olivia Ritsvall, Joakim Armstrong Bastrup, Selvi Celik, Gabriel Jakobsson, Fatima Daoud, Christopher Winqvist, Anders Aspberg, Catarina Rippe, Lars Maegdefessel, Alexandru Schiopu, Thomas A. Jepps, Johan Holmberg, Karl Sward, Sebastian Albinsson
Summary: Inadequate adaptation to mechanical forces, including blood pressure, plays a crucial role in the development of arterial aneurysms. Recent studies have shown that YAP and TAZ have a mechanoprotective role in vascular smooth muscle cells. This study identified reduced expression of YAP1 in human aortic aneurysms. Using a mouse model, it was found that the knockout (KO) of YAP/TAZ in vascular smooth muscle cells resulted in the spontaneous development of aneurysms in the abdominal aorta. This KO also led to decreased contractile differentiation of smooth muscle cells, impaired vascular contractility, and other pathological changes.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Georgia Atkinson, Rosaria Bianco, Karina Di Gregoli, Jason L. Johnson
Summary: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of mortality, particularly in older men. Atherosclerosis and inflammatory cell infiltration play important roles in the formation and progression of AAAs. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a central role in the ECM remodeling and cellular processes involved in AAAs. The use of selective MMP inhibitors shows promise in limiting AAA progression.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)