It is well recognized that abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation or alterations in SMC phenotype play critical roles in the pathogenesis and progression of several prominent cardiovascular disease states including atherosclerosis, congenital heart diseases, aortic aneurysm, hypertension, and restenosis. Transforming growth factor-2 (TGF-2) and its signaling molecules play important roles in SMC differentiation and phenotypic modulation. The molecular mechanisms governing TGF-2 function, especially the downstream target genes responsible for the initiation of SMC differentiation and SMC maturation, however, remains largely unknown. Our published data have shown that response gene to complement 32 (RGC-32), a novel TGF-2 downstream target, is essential for SMC differentiation from neural crest progenitor cells. Preliminary studies demonstrate that RGC-32 is required for TGF-2-induced SMC differentiation from human embryonic stem cell- derived mesenchymal stem cells (huMSC). Moreover, RGC-32 appears to be important for both SMC differentiation and maturation. The goals of the current proposal are to test the overall hypothesis that RGC- 32 activates SMC differentiation and promote SMC maturation through interaction with different nuclear factors. We propose three specific aims to test this hypothesis using a combination of molecular, cellular and genetic approaches.
In Aim 1, we will test the hypothesis that RGC-32 activates SMC differentiation by interacting with Smad proteins. The mechanism underlying RGC-32 function in SMC differentiation will be explored by testing the physical and functional interaction of RGC-32 with Smad proteins in activating the transcription pathway of early SMC marker genes 1-SMA and SM221.
In Aim 2, we will test the hypothesis that RGC-32 interacts with myocardin to stimulate SMC maturation. The importance of RGC-32 in the formation of contractile SMC phenotype will be determined by morphological, biochemical and contractility assay in huMSC and rat aorta SMC. The physical and functional interaction of RGC-32 with myocardin in inducing SMC contraction will also be tested.
In Aim 3, we will test the hypothesis that RGC-32 is essential for SMC differentiation in vivo. The role of RGC-32 in SMC differentiation will be determined using RGC-32 knockout mouse model. The effect of RGC-32 gene knockout on the activation of SMC marker gene transcription in vivo will be tested using SM221 promoter-driven LacZ transgenic mouse model. Collectively, the planned studies will yield novel insight into cellular/molecular mechanisms that control SMC differentiation and maturation, which will ultimately contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of SMC-related cardiovascular diseases.

Public Health Relevance

Vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation is a very important process during the development of blood vessels and it is well recognized that alterations in this process play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of several prominent cardiovascular disease states including atherosclerosis, congenital heart diseases, aortic aneurysm, hypertension, and restenosis. Our proposal examining the molecular mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle differentiation should help to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of these diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL107526-01
Application #
8084425
Study Section
Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (VCMB)
Program Officer
Reid, Diane M
Project Start
2011-04-01
Project End
2015-03-31
Budget Start
2011-04-01
Budget End
2012-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$371,250
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Georgia
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
004315578
City
Athens
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30602
Wu, Bing; Zhang, Lei; Zhu, Yun-He et al. (2018) Data on the involvement of Meox1 in balloon-injury-induced neointima formation of rats. Data Brief 16:266-270
Li, Guo-Hua; Luo, Bin; Lv, Yan-Xia et al. (2016) Dual effects of VEGF-B on activating cardiomyocytes and cardiac stem cells to protect the heart against short- and long-term ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Transl Med 14:116
Hu, Zhi-Yan; Liu, Yan-Ping; Xie, Lin-Ying et al. (2016) AKAP-9 promotes colorectal cancer development by regulating Cdc42 interacting protein 4. Biochim Biophys Acta 1862:1172-81
Chen, Xu-guang; Lv, Yan-xia; Zhao, Dan et al. (2016) Vascular endothelial growth factor-C protects heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mol Cell Biochem 413:9-23
Fei, Jia; Cui, Xiao-Bing; Wang, Jia-Ning et al. (2016) ADAR1-Mediated RNA Editing, A Novel Mechanism Controlling Phenotypic Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Circ Res 119:463-9
Yang, Min-Hui; Hu, Zhi-Yan; Xu, Chuan et al. (2015) MALAT1 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation/migration/invasion via PRKA kinase anchor protein 9. Biochim Biophys Acta 1852:166-74
Shi, Ning; Chen, Shi-You (2015) From nerve to blood vessel: a new role of Olfm2 in smooth muscle differentiation from human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells. J Biomed Res 29:261-3
Guo, Xia; Shi, Ning; Cui, Xiao-Bing et al. (2015) Dedicator of cytokinesis 2, a novel regulator for smooth muscle phenotypic modulation and vascular remodeling. Circ Res 116:e71-80
Tang, Jun-Ming; Luo, Bin; Xiao, Jun-hui et al. (2015) VEGF-A promotes cardiac stem cell engraftment and myocardial repair in the infarcted heart. Int J Cardiol 183:221-31
Tian, Shaojiang; Zhang, Lansing; Tang, Junming et al. (2015) HMGB1 exacerbates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through facilitating M1 macrophage phenotype at the early stage of obstructive injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 308:F69-75

Showing the most recent 10 out of 35 publications