Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ji-Ru Zhang, Hai-Jian Sun
Summary: Hypertension is a common and difficult-to-treat chronic disease. This study investigates the interactions between vascular cells and finds that extracellular vesicle-carried ncRNAs play an important role in hypertension and vascular remodeling. This finding may provide new clinical targets for hypertension treatment.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zeyu Cai, Ze Gong, Zhiqing Li, Li Li, Wei Kong
Summary: The article summarizes the dynamic changes of ECM during hypertension and after treatment, as well as the unclear mechanism by which ECM remodeling initiates the development of hypertension. Further research on matridomic and degradomic approaches is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of ECM remodeling in hypertension.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa Takahashi, Tomoaki Ishigami, Hirofumi Tomiyama, Yuko Kato, Hiroyuki Kikuchi, Koichiro Tasaki, Jun Yamashita, Shigeru Inoue, Masataka Taguri, Toshitaka Nagao, Taishiro Chikamori, Yoshihiro Ishikawa, Utako Yokoyama
Summary: Research has shown that myosin-11 may serve as a biomarker for detecting spatial expansion of atherosclerotic regions, with circulating levels associated with the presence of multiple atherosclerotic areas. Additionally, myosin-11 is predominantly expressed in the medial layer of human atherosclerotic lesions.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Keita Negishi, Kenichi Aizawa, Takayuki Shindo, Toru Suzuki, Takayuki Sakurai, Yuichiro Saito, Takuya Miyakawa, Masaru Tanokura, Yosky Kataoka, Mitsuyo Maeda, Shota Tomida, Hiroyuki Morita, Norifumi Takeda, Issei Komuro, Kazuomi Kario, Ryozo Nagai, Yasushi Imai
Summary: Pathogenic variants in the Myh11 gene cause familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (FTAAD). This study established a mouse model carrying the Myh11 K1256del variant, which was found in two FTAAD families. The Myh11(K/K) aorta showed increased wall thickness and ultrastructural abnormalities, including weakened cell adhesion. Interestingly, the Myh11(K/+) mice developed aortic dissections and intramural hematomas when stimulated with angiotensin II. Mechanistically, the downregulation of integrin subunit alpha2 (Itga2) was observed in the Myh11(K/K) aorta and smooth muscle cells differentiated from Myh11(K/K) induced pluripotent stem cells. The contractility of the Myh11(K/K) aorta in response to phenylephrine was also reduced. These findings suggest that the suboptimal cell adhesion caused by Itga2 downregulation leads to a defect in aortic contraction, potentially contributing to the development of aortic dissections.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah M. Heissler, Amandeep S. Arora, Neil Billington, James R. Sellers, Krishna Chinthalapudi
Summary: Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the near-atomic resolution structure of smooth muscle myosin-2 in the autoinhibited state, revealing the molecular mechanisms behind its regulation. Our study also identified a previously unknown conformational state in myosin-2 and explained the autoinhibition of its enzyme function in 10S. This research provides insights into the formation, stabilization, and relief of 10S through phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain.
Review
Cell Biology
Lu Wang, Isabel J. J. Sobieszek, Chun Y. Y. Seow, Apolinary Sobieszek
Summary: Dynamic regulation of myosin filaments and their stability are important for the adaptability of airway smooth muscle and may be related to the pathophysiology of asthma. Purification techniques can be utilized to study potential changes in myosin filament properties in asthmatic airway smooth muscle, by isolating myosin and associated regulatory proteins. The purification protocol has been successfully adapted for bovine tracheal smooth muscle and enables the study of the functional significance of the regulatory complex in myosin filaments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariam Anis, Janae Gonzales, Rachel Halstrom, Noman Baig, Cat Humpal, Regaina Demeritte, Yulia Epshtein, Jeffrey R. Jacobson, Dustin R. Fraidenburg
Summary: In this study, we investigated the role of nmMLCK in the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of PAH. We found that increased nmMLCK activity, along with increased ERK expression, may contribute to the development of PAH by stimulating cellular proliferation and migration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tereza Havlenova, Petra Skaroupkova, Matus Miklovic, Matej Behounek, Martin Chmel, Dagmar Jarkovska, Jitka Sviglerova, Milan Stengl, Michal Kolar, Jiri Novotny, Jan Benes, Ludek Cervenka, Jiri Petrak, Vojtech Melenovsky
Summary: In heart failure, the mechanisms of right ventricular dysfunction are poorly understood. This study found that when exposed to chronic volume overload, both the right and left ventricles show similar upregulation of stress and metabolic markers. However, the right ventricle may have a relatively larger response to volume overload compared to the left ventricle, potentially due to concomitant pulmonary hypertension. No evidence supports chamber-specific regulation of protein expression in response to volume overload.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Ji-Ru Zhang, Hai-Jian Sun
Summary: Hypertension, a multifactorial disorder, involves the dysregulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) which play a crucial role in the development of systemic hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as novel modulators in the biological behaviors of VSMCs, with microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs being recommended as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for hypertension and PAH.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonija Sakic, Chiraz Chaabane, Noona Ambartsumian, Jorg Klingelhofer, Sylvain Lemeille, Brenda R. Kwak, Mariam Grigorian, Marie-Luce Bochaton-Piallat
Summary: This study investigates the role of extracellular S100A4 in the phenotypic transition of smooth muscle cells during atherosclerosis. The findings suggest that neutralization of extracellular S100A4 promotes the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and could potentially be a new target to influence plaque evolution.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chao Ye, Fen Zheng, Tao Xu, Nan Wu, Ying Tong, Xiao-Qing Xiong, Ye-Bo Zhou, Jue-Jin Wang, Qi Chen, Yue-Hua Li, Guo-Qing Zhu, Ying Han
Summary: This study reveals that NE promotes the release of small EVs and ACE transfer from AFs, leading to VSMCs proliferation in hypertension. Intervention of AFs-derived EVs release may be a potential therapeutic approach for vascular remodeling in hypertension related to excessive sympathetic activation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Lopez-Pedrouso, Jose M. Lorenzo, Leticia Perez-Ciria, Guillermo Ripoll, Maria Angeles Latorre, Daniel Franco
Summary: This study analyzed the protein differences between dry cured ham from immunecastrated pigs and entire females, as well as between immunecastrated pigs and surgically castrated males. The results showed differential abundance of proteins in the samples, with an increase of structural proteins in females and higher abundance of trypsinogen and proteosome subunit C9-like protein in immunocastrated males. MYH4 and ACT were found to be potential biomarkers in both immunecastrated males and females.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
David Martin, Kevin Nay, Francois Robin, Amelie Rebillard, Luz Orfila, Brice Martin, Patricia Leroyer, Pascal Guggenbuhl, Suzanne Dufresne, Philippe Noirez, Martine Ropert, Olivier Loreal, Frederic Derbre
Summary: This study investigates the impact of iron excess on skeletal muscle structure and metabolic adaptations. The results suggest that skeletal muscle can protect itself from the deleterious effects of iron overload under pathophysiological conditions.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hiroyasu Sakai, Yuta Suzuki, Yu Miyauchi, Fumiaki Sato, Yusuke Ando, Risako Kon, Nobutomo Ikarashi, Yoshihiko Chiba, Junzo Kamei, Tomoo Hosoe
Summary: Cancer patients often experience muscle atrophy, which is worsened by the decreased muscle regenerative capacity. Cisplatin, a cancer chemotherapeutic agent, has been found to cause muscle atrophy. This study explored the effects of cisplatin on the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. The results showed that cisplatin suppresses myogenesis and inhibits the expression of Sparcl1, which promotes C2C12 cell differentiation during myogenesis.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Dominika Krakova, Andrew M. Holwerda, Milan W. Betz, Kaleen M. Lavin, Marcas M. Bamman, Luc J. C. van Loon, Lex B. Verdijk, Tim Snijders
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between fiber type grouping and muscle mass and physical function. The results showed that there was no association between fiber type grouping and lower body strength or muscle mass in healthy, older men. Additionally, 12 weeks of resistance training resulted in specific hypertrophy of type II muscle fibers but did not affect fiber type grouping.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhenzhen Chen, Chenxi Ouyang, Haizeng Zhang, Yuanrui Gu, Yue Deng, Congkuo Du, Changting Cui, Shuangyue Li, Wenjie Wang, Wei Kong, Jingzhou Chen, Jun Cai, Bin Geng
Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to plaque stability, and their endogenous CTH-H2S is involved in the pathogenesis of plaque stability through activation of TFEB, increasing autophagy, promoting collagen secretion, and inhibiting apoptosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Ruxi Jin, Ruixue Yang, Changting Cui, Haizeng Zhang, Jun Cai, Bin Geng, Zhenzhen Chen
Summary: High hydrostatic pressure can induce phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to inflammatory and endothelial function inhibitory phenotypes by promoting ferroptosis, which is associated with reduced level of intracellular GSH, increased iron accumulation, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation in VSMCs.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Wenjing Xu, Changting Cui, Chunmei Cui, Zhenzhen Chen, Haizeng Zhang, Qinghua Cui, Guoheng Xu, Jianglin Fan, Yu Han, Liangjie Tang, Giovanni Targher, Christopher D. Byrne, Ming-Hua Zheng, Liming Yang, Jun Cai, Bin Geng
Summary: This study found that CSE protein expression is significantly downregulated in the liver of NAFLD patients, and the CSE/H2S pathway is also downregulated. Feeding an HFD to CSE knockout mice resulted in increased hepatic lipid deposition and insulin resistance, which could be attenuated by H2S donor treatment. Furthermore, CSE/H2S was found to promote sulfhydration modification of FXR, enhancing its activity in regulating target gene expression.
Article
Cell Biology
Kun Zuo, Jing Li, Chen Fang, Jiuchang Zhong, Li Xu, Xinchun Yang
Summary: This study found an association between gut viruses and atrial fibrillation (AF), with specific alterations of the intestinal viral population observed in AF patients. The study also revealed increasingly disordered virus-bacteria linkages in AF cases, suggesting the involvement of gut viruses in AF progression. Furthermore, a viral score built using selected discriminative taxa was significantly associated with recurrence after ablation, indicating its potential as a predictor of ablation outcomes.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Jing Li, Qiannan Gao, Yiyangzi Ma, Yue Deng, Shuangyue Li, Na Shi, Haitao Niu, Xin-Yu Liu, Jun Cai
Summary: Enrichment of Klebsiella pneumoniae may act as a direct contributor to blood pressure elevation and hypertension pathogenesis. It induces intestinal damages, fecal metabolic changes, and renal shifts, which may serve as integrated mediators.
Article
Rheumatology
Luyun Fan, Junru Chen, Lili Pan, Xiaohong Xin, Bin Geng, Lirui Yang, Qian Wang, Wenjun Ma, Ying Lou, Jin Bian, Xiao Cui, Jing Li, Lu Wang, Zhenzhen Chen, Wenjie Wang, Changting Cui, Shuangyue Li, Qiannan Gao, Qirui Song, Yue Deng, Jiali Fan, Jiachen Yu, Huimin Zhang, Yafeng Li, Jun Cai
Summary: This study identifies the discriminatory gut microbes in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and shows that dysbiotic microbes are linked to TAK phenotypes directly or indirectly via metabolic and lipid modules. Further explorations of the microbiome-metagenome interface in TAK subtype prediction and pathogenesis are suggested.
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ying Dong, Pan Wang, Xinchuan Yang, Mulei Chen, Jing Li
Summary: This study analyzed gut metagenomic sequencing data from European women and found that patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had significantly higher abundance of enzymes related to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. The study also revealed the potential of LPS-producing gut microbiota in T2D and highlighted a link between disturbance in LPS biosynthesis and T2D.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xin-Yu Liu, Jing Li, Yamei Zhang, Luyun Fan, Yanli Xia, Yongyang Wu, Junru Chen, Xinyu Zhao, Qiannan Gao, Bing Xu, Chunlai Nie, Zhengyu Li, Aiping Tong, Wenjie Wang, Jun Cai
Summary: This study revealed the mechanism by which gut bacteria trigger hypertension by translocating to the kidney, established the association between renal bacterial communities and functions in hypertensive hosts, and demonstrated the ability of secretory IgA to filter microbial pathogens in humans and animals.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian Lin, Bin Geng
Summary: This article discusses the significant impact of atherosclerosis on cardiovascular events and global mortality, as well as the role of hydrogen sulfide in plaque stability and its regulation mechanism on different cell populations.
Article
Immunology
Yang Shen, Ying Dong, Jie Jiao, Pan Wang, Mulei Chen, Jing Li
Summary: Several studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect the gastrointestinal system, but no research has been done on the effects of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccines on gut microbiota. This study examined the effects of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine on gut microbiota and found that vaccinated individuals had reduced bacterial diversity, elevated firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratios, and altered gut microbial compositions and functional potentials compared to unvaccinated individuals. Vaccine inoculation was associated with changes in gut microbiota and affected certain biological functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Jiao, Yang Shen, Pan Wang, Kun Zuo, Xinchun Yang, Mulei Chen, Ying Dong, Jing Li
Summary: This study found that the inactivated BBIBP-CorV vaccine has a regulatory effect on gut microbiota composition and functions, which may promote host immune response and protect against COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoyan Liu, Zhenzhen Chen, Shuangyue Li, Ling Jin, Xiao Cui, Changting Cui, Yue Deng, Qiannan Gao, Luyun Fan, Yaping Niu, Wenjie Wang, Chunmei Cui, Jiuchang Zhong, Qinghua Cui, Bin Geng, Jun Cai
Summary: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of druggable targets, and their biological functions depend on different ligands and intracellular interactomes. Some microRNAs (miRNAs) bind as ligands to specific receptors to regulate various cellular responses. In this study, it was found that miRNA hsa-let-7a-2 binds non-competitively to the intracellular loop of AGTR2, negatively regulating its activated signals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)